Story perspectives

UK Allocates £57 M for Satellite Wi-Fi on 1,400 Trains

5/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government has earmarked £57 million to fit 1,400 trains with low-earth-orbit satellite Wi-Fi.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will announce the plan summer, targeting 90 % connectivity and speeds five to ten times higher.
A 2025 Ookla report placed UK train Wi-Fi 16th of 18 countries with a 1.09 Mbps versus 285 Mbps at homes.
Trials with LNER, South Western Railway and Scottish operators showed satellite links work where Wi-Fi fails in tunnels.

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Story summary

The UK government has earmarked £57 million to fit 1,400 trains with low-earth-orbit satellite Wi-Fi.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will announce the plan summer, targeting 90 % connectivity and speeds five to ten times higher.
A 2025 Ookla report placed UK train Wi-Fi 16th of 18 countries with a 1.09 Mbps versus 285 Mbps at homes.
Trials with LNER, South Western Railway and Scottish operators showed satellite links work where Wi-Fi fails in tunnels.