Elon Musk’s Starlink Could Transform Wi-Fi on UK Trains

Elon Musk’s Starlink may soon deliver reliable high-speed Wi-Fi across UK trains, providing passengers with seamless connections where cell towers typically fail. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Rail operators in England and Wales are actively testing this satellite technology after a successful six-month trial began in Scotland in partnership with Clarus Networks.

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Clarus, based near Glasgow, gained regulatory approval to install Starlink systems—originally designed for aircraft—on select train routes with poor network access.

The system, built on over 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, offers a more dependable and faster alternative to conventional mast infrastructure, especially in rural or remote regions.

Jamie Duncan, Clarus’s marketing manager, emphasized that Starlink enables fast deployment, greater reliability, and real-time GPS tracking of trains—enhancing both operations and the passenger experience.

Satellite connectivity will also support onboard Wi-Fi phone calls, minimizing dropouts during long journeys, including through remote areas without existing mobile coverage.

Although satellite internet may seem costly, Duncan noted that it often competes with the cost of masts or even fibre broadband, particularly in inaccessible locations.

Elon Musk’s Starlink is currently being trialed on ScotRail routes from Inverness to Wick, Aberdeen, and Kyle of Lochalsh—areas far from any cellular infrastructure.

Elon Musk’s Starlink Trials Expand Across the UK

Transport for Wales is set to join the trials later this year on routes from Cardiff to Holyhead and Manchester, following consultation with Clarus and ScotRail.

FirstGroup has also explored the satellite system. Despite losing two national rail contracts, it remains active in UK rail through operators like Lumo and Hull Trains.

FirstGroup’s South Western Railway unit introduced 5G Wi-Fi shortly before the line was nationalized, showing commitment to next-generation onboard technology.

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LNER recently installed a custom antenna system inside tunnels near King’s Cross, boosting Wi-Fi for O2 and Three users in one of the country’s busiest sections.

A Department for Transport spokesperson confirmed support for Starlink trials, calling satellite solutions vital to improving Britain’s rail connectivity strategy.

Meanwhile, BT is reportedly in talks to distribute Starlink dishes to UK consumers as part of the satellite firm’s broader plans to expand broadband coverage.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

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