- The UK has started testing in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity using satellites
- The test is being carried out on a GWR line in the south-west.
- Could increase internet speeds on board trains and improve reliability
British trains aren’t exactly known for their excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, but that could change in the near future thanks to a new scheme taking inspiration from Formula One racing. If successful, the plan could boost trains’ Wi-Fi speeds and provide a more reliable connection for passengers on board.
As reported by the BBC, a new pilot scheme will equip a Great Western Railway (GWR) train with a combined connection system that will use terrestrial telephone masts and some unknown low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet to passengers.
The project is being run by UK technology company Motion Applied alongside Peninsula Transport, which is the transport body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
The pilot began in mid-November, will run for 60 days and will be tested on GWR’s Intercity Express train running in the south west. The hope is to increase internet speeds from the current miserable average of 1.09 Mbps.
According to internet networking company Ookla, the UK ranks 16th out of 18 major European and Asian countries for Wi-Fi speeds on trains; By comparison, Sweden has an average of 64.58 Mbps.
Inspired by Formula One
The inspiration for the satellite movement apparently came from Formula One, where reliable connections between drivers and teams are of utmost importance. By borrowing technology from racing cars, trains should be able to switch between telephone towers and satellites while maintaining a reliable link.
It is not immediately obvious which satellite networks will be used for the project. British company OneWeb is a contender, as is Starlink; The latter company has linked up with other UK train lines, although no news has emerged of it providing Wi-Fi for the GWR trial. We asked Motion Applied which satellite network will be used, but it responded by saying, “We can’t reveal that at this time.”
In early 2025, the UK Department for Transport secured £41 million to bring LEO satellite connectivity to all mainline trains by 2030. If that target is met, the days of slow, patchy internet when traveling on rails could finally be numbered.
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