Peninsula Transport, in partnership with Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied), Great Western Railway (GWR), Network Rail, and Hitachi, proudly presents a new chapter in rail travel with the Superfast Wi-Fi Pilot.
The GWR Intercity Express Train is the first in the UK to use this ‘next generation’ Wi-Fi technology from the world of motorsport. Proving that Wi-Fi on UK trains can be both robust and high-speed, the pilot will set a new national benchmark for the rail network.
The technology was demonstrated at Paddington Station on the 17th of November where the train will be showcased alongside a Formula 1 car, symbolising the transfer of technology from the world of Formula 1 to Rail.
This comes at an important time – the Department for Transport announced in June a partnership to eliminate mobile signal blackspots in tunnels on key rail routes up and down the country including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol. As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at Bristol Temple Meads and Paddington stations. Alongside this, the department has secured a further £41million in the 2025 Spending Review to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains, significantly improving both the availability and internet data connection speeds for Wi-Fi connected passengers by 2030.
The pilot aims to transform the onboard digital experience for rail passengers through reliable, superfast connectivity, enabled by a new, hybrid system that aggregates signals from both ground-based cellular masts and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This results in superfast, reliable speeds without relying on costly trackside infrastructure – so it could be scaled across the UK rail network and beyond. It reflects the UK’s leading role in digital transport innovation as well as supporting a long-standing ambition to bring faster, more resilient rail Wi-Fi
The partnership led by Peninsula Transport is the first in the UK to deliver full train, full journey digital infrastructure and an ‘always-on’ digital experience, via UK technology which has been deployed internationally and now brought home to the UK.
Councillor Dan Rogerson, lead member for rail on the Peninsula Transport board commented:
“This is a major milestone in our mission to modernise transport infrastructure across the South West and South Wales. It’s not just about passenger Wi-Fi, this is about a whole new digital backbone for our transport networks.”
Nick Fry, Chairman of Motion Applied, said:
“Motion Applied recognised that rail networks have struggled with onboard WiFi for customers and we have used technology originally developed for F1 cars to reliably connect a fast moving vehicle by reducing signal drop outs and seamlessly switch cell networks. The challenges faced in transmitting data to and from a fast moving train have many parallels with motorsport and the application of our industry-leading data link aggregation systems specifically tailored to the unique demands of rail will provide an improved customer experience using racing technology”
Andy Jasper, Chief Executive Officer of the Eden Project in Cornwall, highlighted the benefits to business and leisure travellers:
“We are so grateful Peninsula Transport is putting the South West back on track with this much needed initiative. There has never been a better time to travel sustainably with fast reliable Wi-Fi. This will open new opportunities for work and leisure, help boost tourism and business, and link world class attractions like the Eden Project to the rest of the country. It’s a huge step forward in strengthening future prosperity and the reputation of the great western world class”
Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister said:
“Passenger experience is top of our agenda and 21st-century experience ought to be seamless fast Wi-Fi which will make the time spent travelling by train even more valuable. The real question is how quickly and how cheaply it can be rolled out. This could be a real productivity benefit for the whole country, hopefully at a modest cost”.
ENDS
Please use this link to access photos from the day: https://www.peninsulatransport.org.uk/3875-2/?et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off
