#leo-satellites

#leo-satellites

The government has given itself until 2030 to build out reliable 5G phone coverage across the UK's railway network. However, it is exploring the use of low-earth-orbit satellites to enhance Wi-Fi services inside trains in rural areas where standard 5G coverage may be limited. In a written response to an enquiry from the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson, Clive Jones MP, the government's response was that their "ambition is for all populated areas to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030." A full decision on how and where coverage will be boosted is expected by the end of next year, giving phone companies just four years to roll out coverage upgrades in the selected key locations.

Data-hungry rail passengers will have to wait until at least 2030 before getting something like universal mobile data coverage across the UK, a minister confirmed this week. That might be a disappointment for trainspotters and commuters who were left excitedly looking down the track in June, when Network Rail announced plans and partners to roll out 4G and 5G on key lines by 2028. But full(ish) coverage across mainline trains will only come via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, courtesy of a tender process that is just getting off the ground.

MSIT's approval of the cross-border supply agreement sets a new regulatory precedent, paving the way for Eutelsat OneWeb to deploy its LEO satellite for diverse connectivity needs.