Train WiFi upgrade plans will bring new connectivity technology to more than 1,000 trains in Britain as the government seeks to improve onboard internet access for passengers.

Formula 1 rail WiFi plan covers 1,400 train sets
Photo: www.railmagazine.com

The rollout is designed to tackle slow speeds and gaps in connectivity on trains, an issue the government described as “a perennial annoyance for passengers”. It follows a trial on a Great Western Railway Class 802 train⁠, where the system combined mobile network coverage with satellite connections.

Train WiFi upgrade will use Formula 1 technology

Originally used in Formula 1 cars, the technology was developed and adapted by Motion Applied⁠. The company, based in Woking, claimed speeds of more than 1GB per second and described it as a “new connectivity architecture to meet the increasing expectations of both passengers and operators”.

Most train WiFi currently depends on 4G and 5G coverage from the UK’s mobile networks. The new system connects through Low Earth Orbit satellite links⁠, including the Starlink network that is part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX programme.

No exact completion date has been announced. However, the upgrade is expected to involve up to 1400 train sets⁠.

Passenger groups respond to the rollout

A government source told RAIL:

“Our nationwide upgrade will rocket boost connectivity on every main line train in Britain over the next few years, tackling both slow speeds and irritating not-spots.”

“As we set up Great British Railways, we’re tackling the bread-and-butter issues passengers care about most to build a railway people can rely on and be proud of.”

Passenger organisations have responded positively, although with some caution.

Michael Solomon Williams of Campaign for Better Transport said:

“Poor WiFi is a real frustration for passengers. It will make rail an even more attractive option than driving or flying for business travellers, who can have confidence that they will be able to work on board.”

Bruce Williamson of Railfuture said the programme should not be limited to high-profile routes.

“This needs to be rolled out on all lines, not just the prestige routes. You don’t become less of a passenger when you change from an inter-city train to your local branch line.”

He also said the government should continue to focus on other rail problems.

“It’s important the government doesn’t take its eye off the ball regarding other important rail issues such as reliability, overcrowding and the cost of tickets.”

“A unified, nationalised railway is in a better position to commit to a project to install WiFi across the whole network in one go, unlike the way electrification has been handled. Stop-start fragmented projects add cost and take longer.”