Great Western Railway (GWR) is trialling technology from Formula 1 to improve onboard wifi, aiming to set a new national benchmark for rail connectivity. The pilot, launched on a 125mph Intercity Express Train, uses next-generation systems from motorsport where reliable data links are critical.
The hybrid system combines signals from ground-based cellular masts and low earth orbit satellites, avoiding the need for costly trackside infrastructure. Provided by Motion Applied, which has worked on motorsport communications since 1989, the technology aims to transform the digital experience for passengers.
Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said at London Paddington: 'Great British Railways must aspire to high-quality wifi across the network.' Nick Fry, chairman of Motion Applied, noted: 'The challenges faced in transmitting data to and from a fast moving train have many parallels with motorsport.'
GWR is collaborating with Network Rail and Peninsula Transport, which represents local authorities in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Nigel Blackler, lead officer for Peninsula Transport, explained: 'Journey times between Paddington and stations in the southwest take four to five hours... If you can't improve the journey time, it's all about improving the time on the journey.'
Research by The Independent found that rail wifi performance is currently best on Greater Anglia and LNER, while GWR's connectivity is generally poor, particularly on main lines to Devon, Cornwall, Bristol and South Wales. In September, LNER completed a programme to install new mobile phone masts between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed to improve wifi on the East Coast Main Line.
