ScotRail On Track to be First with Starlink-Delivered WiFi On-Trains

The rugged moorland and rolling empty spaces along Scotland’s Far North Line – form an unlikely backdrop for a technology world first. However, a partnership between Elon Musk’s Starlink, train operator Scotrail and Bathgate-based Clarus Networks is delivering exactly that.
Passengers on the Class 158 trains rumbling north from Inverness to Thurso and Wick and back again, will be able to access fast WiFi via satellite to train connections – at a stroke solving the problem of poor mobile connectivity in the area. The new service is part of what the Scottish government has, with admirable understatement called, “long-standing communication challenges in the Scottish Highlands”.
Even Musk himself, despite being busy influencing elections in his own country, found time to tweet, or X, that the announcement is “Cool”.
The Starlink satellite system, operated by SpaceX, is rapidly being seen as a workable and not-so-prohibitively-expensive, in-fill for rail lines where sightings of mobile masts are rarer than white stags.
Mike Butler, director of rail and innovation at Clarus Networks said: “Our certification of the latest Starlink terminal specifically designed for trains is a game-changer for rail communications. By deploying this advanced satellite technology as an authorised reseller, we’re delivering unparalleled connectivity that transforms operational efficiency and the passenger experience.
He went on, “This solution offers reliable, high-speed connectivity even in remote locations, supporting real-time monitoring and immediate response crucial for track condition assessments and fault diagnosis. Enhanced safety systems, such as surveillance at unmanned crossings, significantly mitigate risks and improve incident response times.”
Scott Prentice, ScotRail strategy and planning director said: “This collaboration advances our efforts to provide reliable connectivity for passengers, staff, and operational systems. By integrating Starlink’s satellite technology with our networks, we’re addressing long-standing communication challenges and enhancing the overall travel experience.
With a constellation of several thousand satellites orbiting Earth at approximately 550km, Starlink delivers low latency (~40 ms) and download speeds up to 220 Mbps, ideal for on-train connectivity. The service supports dynamic passenger information systems, precise train tracking, and reliable internet, enhancing the travel experience with uninterrupted streaming, video conferencing, and access to cloud services.
The Starlink system offered by Clarus Networks has passed rail-certified solutions requirements and is compliant with EN50155, EN50121, and EN45545 standards. It also meets the needs of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) by offering low-latency data transmission that can either replace or work alongside traditional methods like MNO, GSM-R, Wi-Fi, and mmWave. This innovation addresses connectivity gaps in underserved regions, delivering consistent, high-performance communications.

Robert Gardiner of Scottish Futures gave an excellent presentation on the new service at this year’s Traincomms Conference.
Anyone wishing to hear more about the Conference and get involved for the next edition, should contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com or visit www.Traincmms.com

Traincomms 2024 was sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi will be exhibitors.
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