Low Earth Orbit Satellite Train Connectivity

Descriptions

The Department for Transport secured funding as part of Spending Review 2025 to improve the provision of on-train wifi for rail passengers. Our objective is to retro-fit the majority of Great British Railway train operators' mainlines trains by 2030.

We intend to upgrade the existing in-carriage on-train wifi equipment to the latest standards, provide low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity to enhance the existing mobile network operator connections, and hence deliver a more generally available higher speed internet connection for wifi-connected rail passengers.

To meet our objectives and timescales, we are developing our procurement and delivery strategies. To help shape our approach we are now seeking engagement with interested parties in the value chain including suppliers and stakeholders.

Details of this requirement, such as a firm value approach to procuring and competition timelines are unknown at this stage and will be informed by the outcome of this engagement exercise.

 For further details of this requirement and how to engage with the Department, please follow this link to the Department's e-sourcing platform https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/889244250198C2E6A8E3.

If you are not already registered on the Department's e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can do so here https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html