- The UK has begun testing on-board Wi-Fi connectivity using satellites
- The trial is being run on a GWR line in the South West
- It could raise internet speeds on board trains and improve reliability
British trains aren’t exactly known for their stellar Wi-Fi connectivity, but that could change in the near future thanks to a new scheme that takes its inspiration from Formula One racing. If successful, the plan could ramp up train Wi-Fi speeds and provide a more reliable connection for passengers on-board.
As reported by the BBC, a new pilot scheme will outfit a Great Western Railway (GWR) train with a combined connection system that will use both ground-based phone masts and some unknown low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet to passengers.
The project is being run by British tech firm Motion Applied together with Peninsula Transport, which is the transport body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
The pilot began in mid-November, will last for 60 days, and will be tested on GWR’s Intercity Express Train that runs in the South West. The hope is to raise internet speeds from the current paltry average of 1.09Mbps.
According to internet networking firm Ookla, the UK ranks 16 out of 18 major European and Asian nations for train Wi-Fi speeds – in comparison, Sweden averages a zippy 64.58Mbps.
Inspired by Formula One
The inspiration for the satellite move apparently came from Formula One, where reliable connections between drivers and teams are of paramount importance. By borrowing tech from racing cars, trains should be able to switch between phone masts and satellites while maintaining a reliable link.
It’s not immediately obvious what satellite networks will be used for the project. British company OneWeb is one contender, as is Starlink – the latter company has been linked with other UK train lines, although no word has emerged of it providing Wi-Fi for the GWR trial. We asked Motion Applied which satellite network will be used, but it replied by saying: “We aren’t able to disclose that at this moment.”
Earlier in 2025, the UK’s Department of Transport secured £41m to bring LEO satellite connectivity to all mainline trains by 2030. If that target is met, the days of slow, patchy internet when you’re riding the rails could finally be numbered.
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