The Next Generation of Connectivity is Already On-Board (Some) UK Trains

Just in time for next week’s Traincomms Conference, Icomera has announced that it has been trialling WiFi 7 in passenger service with multiple UK train operators. According to the on-board WiFi service supplier, this included the UK’s “first real-world” passenger trial of WiFi 7 technology on a train.

The recent rounds of tests carried out on British trains by Icomera reportedly show that a combination of 5G and WiFi 7 deliver stronger and more stable on-board Internet connectivity. They also demonstrated the significant capacity available through WiFi 7 on trains. The company argues that its trials demonstrate that 5G and WiFi 7, plus satellite connectivity, can help unlock the next generation of connected services for passengers and train operators. Paul Barnes of Icomera pointed out in a recent article that satellite is only one part of a much bigger technology shift.

WiFi 7 is the latest generation of wireless networking technology, designed to deliver greater capacity, efficiency and reliability, particularly in high-density environments. That makes it especially relevant to rail, where hundreds of passengers and their devices can be competing for connectivity simultaneously. 

The reality is that many UK trains are still using on-board connectivity technology installed several years ago, commonly relying on 4G cellular networks and earlier generations of WiFi. As these systems are upgraded, the combination of 5G and WiFi 7 creates the opportunity for a significant step forward in on-board connectivity, even before satellite is added to the mix.

In one recent trial, Icomera upgraded the on-train connectivity solution with a 5G-enabled Icomera XS1 router and Icomera A2 Wi-Fi 7 access points. Compared with the previous 4G and WiFi 5 installation, average Internet download performance was 43% higher across GPS-matched sections of the return journey, while peak download speeds more than doubled.

The WiFi 7 network demonstrated strong on-board performance, with local testing consistently delivering high throughput and reaching speeds of up to 1.66 Gbps.

As 5G, satellite and other connectivity sources bring more capacity to the train, the next challenge is making that capacity available effectively to everyone on board. This is where WiFi 7 becomes particularly important. Its greater capacity and more efficient use of the available spectrum mean more connected devices can make effective use of the available bandwidth at the same time.

Passengers are the most visible beneficiaries of this, but greater on-board capacity can also support the growing number of operational and connected systems sharing a train’s communications infrastructure. And this is only part of what’s coming. 5G can provide substantially more capacity to the train. WiFi 7 can help distribute that capacity effectively onboard. Satellite can add another powerful connectivity source alongside cellular and trackside networks.

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, Lantech and Streamriver are Expo Sponsors.

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