- Empowering rail networks with ingenious satellite technology to deliver uninterrupted connectivity.
- Benefits for passengers and operators, enhancing both Wi-Fi services and intelligent operational systems.
- Successful trials show impressive results, with 200-400 Mbps throughput per Starlink Terminal designed specifically for trains.
- First installations expected in Q1 2025, delivering cutting-edge technology to the rail industry.
Icomera has signed an authorised reseller agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to provide Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity specifically to trains. The impact of this agreement will be seen in increased passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency and safety on board trains around the world.
The quality of on-train Internet connectivity is highly dependent on the coverage and capacity of the communication networks along the route. Today this connectivity is largely delivered through cellular networks. Despite a fast roll-out of 4G and 5G cellular networks in densely populated areas, building networks up and down long thin rail corridors has in the past created technical and financial challenges. There are still vast areas in which the capacity of the land-based networks falls way short of meeting the needs of a full passenger train.
Recent satellite technology developments and commercial models have finally made low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions viable. Combining Starlink’s connectivity with Icomera’s patented technologies, for example SureWAN™ link aggregation, will enable public transport vehicles to fully utilise multiple communication technologies – satellite, cellular, or other trackside networks – in parallel. With satellites the inner city 5G experience will be available everywhere, and passenger experiences and operational visibility can be transformed.
An Exciting Development for Passengers and Operators
Icomera is the pioneer of onboard Internet connectivity for public transport. Its agreement with Starlink brings satellite Internet connectivity closer to millions of passengers accessing onboard Wi-Fi services to stream entertainment content or conduct video calls. The home broadband experience is getting closer when on the move.
For operators, reliable connectivity is crucial for real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and onboard systems management, all of which contribute to safer and more efficient rail operations. Combined, this will help make rail networks around the world become more efficient and reliable, increasing the return on investment.
Successful Trials & Impressive Results
Even prior to today’s announcement, Icomera has in recent years been actively involved in multiple successful LEO satellite Internet projects on both sides of the Atlantic. Some of these have included trains in revenue service, while others have been technical trials aimed at pushing the technology to achieve its full potential.
The results have been impressive, delivering the equivalent of inner-city 5G capacity to trains in rural environments, with throughput consistently in the range of 200-400 megabits per Starlink Terminal designed specifically for trains, and latency of less than 40 milliseconds.
Catherine Chardon, CEO of Icomera: “Satellite represents an incredible opportunity for the rail industry, offering transformative benefits for passengers and operators alike. This new high-speed low-latency connectivity will complement the existing wireless technologies that Icomera intelligently aggregates and prioritises based on time, location, and demand – ensuring a robust, economic and reliable solution.
“We aim to be inspiring partners in driving the rail industry’s digital transition. Icomera is committed to delivering new levels of performance in safety, operational efficiency and passenger experiences through reliable, seamless connectivity across all environments.”
Icomera expects the first installations of its rail certified satellite connectivity solutions to begin in Q1 2025.
