"A new UK-first pilot scheme is aiming to create fast and more reliable train wi-fi, using technology originally developed for Formula 1 cars. It will see a train in the Great Western Railway fleet use a hybrid system of both signals from mobile phone masts on the ground and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in space to create a more reliable connection."
"Nick Fry, chairman of Motion Applied, formerly part of McLaren Group, said the issues faced in connecting to the internet from a fast moving train had "many parallels with motorsport". He added that by using technology originally developed for F1 cars, trains should be able to switch between ground and space-based networks such as LEO satellites to "reliably connect" without drop outs."
A 60-day UK pilot will trial a hybrid train wi-fi system combining signals from mobile phone masts and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites on a Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train in the South West. The scheme was developed by British company Motion Applied in partnership with Peninsula Transport. The UK ranked 16th of 18 countries for train wi-fi speed in an Ookla study, with average download speeds of 1.09 Mbps. The Department of Transport secured 41m in the 2025 spending review to introduce LEO connectivity on all mainline trains by 2030. Local and campaign voices described the pilot as a major milestone for transport digital infrastructure.
Read at www.bbc.com
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