Peninsula Trial Underlines Case for Improved Train Connectivity

The successful conclusion of a 60-day trial of new WiFi connectivity on a GWR Intercity Express train in the UK has led to calls to roll out the system across the train operator’s network.

The technology used in the trial was first developed to improve radio comms with Formula One cars by Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied). It used mobile phone signals backed by LEO Satellite delivery to create stronger and faster connections. Peninsula Transport, the transport body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay helped organise the trial in conjunction with Motion Applied, GWR, Network Rail and Hitachi Rail.

The UK certainly appears to have some ground to make up in the On-Train WiFi stakes after networking testing firm Ookla last year, ranked the country 16th out of 18 major European and Asian countries for train WiFi speeds. Ookla, which is a division of US-based online publishing giant Ziff- Davis, used crowd-sourced feedback on data speeds from passengers actually travelling on trains as they rumbled across the continent and the British Isles.

Meanwhile, those travellers using lucky enough to use GWR’s trial train delivered “overwhelmingly positive” feedback.

According to the partners, the pilot project delivered 98% uptime on board the train which meant more stable connectivity even in recognised mobile blackspots. In addition, the download speeds of 100Mbps+ (peaking at 400Mbps) are equivalent to superfast and sometimes ultrafast broadband standards. Overall, some 17,680 devices were connected up during the trial period and the average data use was some 186MB per passenger.

According to Councillor Dan Rogerson, Chair of the Peninsula Rail Task Force, “This pilot shows that world-class onboard WiFi on Britain’s railways is not only possible – it’s ready to deliver now. For too long, passengers in the South West and South Wales have experienced some of the poorest connectivity in the country. With a relatively modest investment, we can transform that experience across one of the UK’s largest rail networks, unlocking real productivity benefits for passengers and the UK economy.”

Over 60 regional businesses — including SMEs and global organisations — have signed a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport calling for part of the £57m allocated in the 2025 Spending Review to be directed towards delivering next‑generation connectivity on mainline train services.

The spread of on-board WiFi services, trackside wireless delivery and the increasing use of LEO satellites to boost connectivity will all be fully discussed at this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference, hosted by BWCS in London (www.Traincomms.com ).

The Main Sponsors for Traincomms 2026 are Icomera, Huber+Suhner and Nomad Digital. Westermo, Hughes Europe, CGI, Unwired and Eutelsat are also Sponsoring the Conference. Antonics is an Expo Sponsor.

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The full programme for the 2026 Traincomms Conference (not yet finalised) can be reserved here: https://www.traincomms.com/#content2b