More WiFi from the Sky North of the Border

ScotRail is to expand satellite-delivered WiFi connectivity to its fleet of Class 222 trains. According to a report in the online Global Railway Review, Nomad Digital will add the system as part of a wider refurbishment and long-term support programme for the Scottish trains led by Alstom in partnership with Beacon Rail.

The wider introduction of LEO Satellite services is aimed at improving on-board WiFi connectivity for passengers. ScotRail will introduce 22 refurbished Class 222 Meridians from early 2027, on routes between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee and Inverness.

Last year Scotrail, backed by Scottish Futures Trust, ran a six-month trial of satellite-delivered broadband to six Class 158 trains on the most northerly parts of its network. The satellite services in the pilot project were supplied by Elon Musk’s Starlink system in conjunction with Bathgate-based Clarus Networks. It is not clear if the Nomad Digital solution is also tied to Starlink.

The Newcastle-based supplier said the new system is designed to provide a more resilient and passenger focused onboard internet experience while supporting future digital rail services.

Adding satellite-enabled WiFi forms part of a broader lifecycle upgrade programme for the Class 222 fleet, which also includes refurbishment work, technical support, maintenance services and operational training. Additional programme elements include spare parts management and regional operational support at Polmadie, Haymarket and Inverness depots.

The companies involved said onboard connectivity is increasingly becoming a core operational requirement for modern railways rather than simply a passenger convenience.

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.

Tickets to attend the Conference are available now via http://traincomms.com/book1.cfm

For more information on attending this year’s Conference please contact [email protected]

The full programme for the 2026 Traincomms Conference can be reserved here: https://www.traincomms.com/#content2b