Latest News

France joins European push to bring satellite internet to trains

The French state-owned rail company SNCF is launching a tender to add satellite internet in its trains. It will be the latest European rail operator exploring space-based connectivity systems on board.

In a Friday statement, SNCF stated that it is pursuing "an innovative approach to strengthening connectivity and resilience", by combining terrestrial network solutions with low-Earth orbit satellite solutions.

The company stated that the strategy is designed to guarantee service continuity throughout its entire network including remote sites and better internet access for passengers.

SNCF stated that the combination of satellite and 4G/5G would eliminate dead zones, offer stable service with fast speeds, and be able to adapt new services such as video conferencing or streaming.

Sources familiar with the situation said that Elon Musk's Starlink, and France's Eutelsat were among the companies under consideration.

SNCF refused to discuss whether it is in discussions with specific providers.

Eutelsat's spokesperson confirmed that the company is interested in the deal, as it has already been in discussions with SNCF to set up a pilot program as they did in Britain and Kazakhstan.

The spokesperson stated that "as the only French LEO (low-Earth orbit) operator currently in service and as the only French player we intend to bid on the contract with our French partner such as Orange Business Services."

Starlink has expanded its services beyond consumer markets to include enterprise markets in the transportation and maritime sector.

Eutelsat's OneWeb satellite network, which has more than 600 LEOs, offers internet access.

Similar initiatives have been taken in Europe.

Matteo Salvini, Minister of Infrastructure, said in May that Ferrovie dello Stato, the Italian state railway, conducted a two-week test in June, with two providers including Starlink.

ScotRail, a Scottish railway company, also began a Starlink six-week trial in May.

In most European trains, internet access is provided by cellular networks.

The quality of the connection varies depending on where you are.

High speeds also pose technical challenges, as the systems are constantly switching between mobile towers. This causes intermittent service.

Satellites offer coverage in remote areas, even where there are few or no cellular towers. (Reporting and editing by Hugh Lawson; Gianluca Nostro)

(source: Reuters)