Starlink on Alfa Pendular trains is being tested by CP – Comboios de Portugal in a satellite connectivity pilot aimed at improving onboard Wi-Fi where mobile coverage is weaker.

Side view of a CP Alfa Pendular train
Side view of a CP Alfa Pendular train. Photo: CP – Comboios de Portugal

The Portuguese national rail operator is using the trial⁠ to assess whether satellite communication can strengthen Wi-Fi performance during commercial service. The test is focused especially on route sections where the existing mobile network signal is limited or becomes less reliable.

Starlink on Alfa Pendular trains pilot

The pilot will allow CP to evaluate how the technology performs in real operating conditions.

CP aims to offer passengers a faster, more stable internet connection with lower latency, improving the digital experience during journeys on Alfa Pendular services.

Pedro Moreira, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CP, described the initiative as part of the operator’s wider service modernisation work.

“This pilot project represents yet another decisive step in the modernization of our services, reinforcing CP’s commitment to offering customers a more comfortable, connected travel experience in line with current technological standards,” said Pedro Moreira.

Satellite connectivity and onboard Wi-Fi service

The system under evaluation relies on satellite communication antennas. These are intended to work alongside the onboard communications setup already based on Portugal’s national mobile networks.

By combining the two connectivity sources, CP aims to strengthen onboard internet access in areas where terrestrial mobile coverage is weaker and support better continuity of communications along the journey.

CP has reported positive early results from the initial phase of testing. During these first tests, the satellite-based connection represented about 19% of the total onboard data traffic⁠.

According to the operator, the satellite link was especially useful on parts of the route where the terrestrial mobile network delivered lower performance.

Archive photo of an Alfa Pendular train in CP livery
Archive photo of an Alfa Pendular train in CP livery. Photo: Comboios360 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

What will change for passengers?

For passengers, the context is that Wi-Fi is already part of CP’s Alfa Pendular onboard offer, not a separate new service. CP describes Alfa Pendular as a long-distance service used between Braga and Faro or between Lisbon and Porto, with each train offering 301 seats, free Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. The Starlink pilot therefore focuses on whether that onboard connectivity can remain more stable on route sections where mobile network coverage is weaker, before CP assesses any wider implementation. (cp.pt⁠)

Next steps for CP

During the pilot period, CP will continue gathering technical and operational data. The company will assess the system’s stability, coverage, technical performance, and the quality of service experienced by passengers.

Based on the outcome of the trial, CP will consider whether the technology could be deployed more widely across its services.