Rail passengers in Britain could soon enjoy reliable, high-speed internet on their journeys, as Great Western Railway (GWR) launches an innovative pilot programme harnessing technology from the world of Formula 1.
From the Race Track to the Railway
The train operator has equipped a 125mph Intercity Express Train with next-generation wifi technology originally developed for motorsport. This sector depends on robust, real-time data links with drivers travelling at immense speeds.
GWR states this pilot initiative will set a new national benchmark for the rail network. This is a significant claim, given that most train operators currently offer onboard wifi that is often so slow and unreliable it becomes practically unusable.
Many travellers who wish to work or stream content resort to using their phone's hotspot, only to find their route is plagued by connectivity 'notspots'.
A Hybrid Solution for a Persistent Problem
The pilot aims to transform the digital experience for passengers. It uses a hybrid system that combines signals from ground-based cellular masts and low earth orbit satellites.
This innovative approach aims to provide high-quality wifi without the need for costly investment in extensive trackside infrastructure.
The technology is supplied by Motion Applied, a company with a long history in motorsport communications. Their expertise dates back to 1989, when they kitted out Michael Schumacher's pre-F1 car, a Mercedes Benz C9.
Improving the Journey Experience
The project is a collaboration between GWR, Network Rail, and the Peninsula Transport partnership, which represents local authorities in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.
Speaking to The Independent, Nigel Blackler, lead officer for Peninsula Transport, emphasised the importance of the project for longer journeys. He stated that with journey times from Paddington to the southwest taking four to five hours with little prospect of significant reduction, the focus must shift.
"If you can't improve the journey time, it's all about improving the time on the journey," Mr Blackler said. "And for our passengers, that's about better wifi connectivity both for business users and for leisure travellers."
At the launch event at London Paddington station, rail minister Lord Peter Hendy commented, "Great British Railways must aspire to high-quality wifi across the network."
Nick Fry, chairman of the company providing the technology, highlighted the parallels between transmitting data to a fast-moving train and the demands of motorsport, confirming the application of their industry-leading data link aggregation systems is specifically tailored for rail.
This pilot comes as other operators also seek improvements. In September, LNER completed work to install new mobile phone masts between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed to boost connectivity on the East Coast Main Line.
