ScotRail has teamed up with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite internet to the Scottish rail network. This partnership aims to revolutionize connectivity for ScotRail passengers and operational teams, tackling long-standing communication challenges on some of Scotland’s most remote routes, providing internet coverage in areas where traditional cellular and terrestrial options often falter.
For ScotRail, the implementation of Starlink means a significant upgrade for both passengers and railway operations. The onboard internet will allow passengers to enjoy reliable WiFi, closing the gap between user expectations and the current, often unreliable, WiFi experience across the UK’s rail network.
Beyond passenger services, Starlink is also deployed on ScotRail’s measurement trains, providing continuous data for diagnostics and remote monitoring of track conditions. This feature enhances the safety and efficiency of Scotrail operations, allowing for real-time vehicle diagnostics, trackside infrastructure monitoring, and immediate fault assessments.
Clarus Networks, a connectivity specialist, has been testing and configuring Starlink to meet stringent rail industry standards to ensure the technology is not only safe and reliable for rail use but also robust enough to maintain connectivity in challenging environments.
“Our certification of the latest Starlink terminal specifically designed for trains is a game-changer for rail communications. This solution offers reliable, high-speed connectivity even in remote locations, supporting real-time monitoring and immediate response crucial for track condition assessments and fault diagnosis,” said Mike Butler, Director of Rail and Innovation at Clarus.
This is the second Starlink partnership with a rail network. In 2023 Brightline announced it was going to add Starlink to its train network in the US.
This is also the second major Starlink partnership announced today. As we told you earlier, the Ontario government is spending $100 million to bring Starlink to northern Ontario.
