Passengers on stunning West Highland Line to benefit from satellite internet
A trial will bring reliable broadband connectivity to the route for the first time
It is one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, passing through a dramatic landscape of wild, lonely mountains and deep, wind-lashed lochs.
Now passengers on the stunning West Highland Line are set to benefit from reliable broadband connectivity for the first time - if they can tear their eyes away from the windows.
One of the world’s largest IT firms, CGI, will fit a ScotRail train on the route with advanced satellite communications equipment, bringing dependable internet access to a corridor where mobile networks have long struggled to reach.
The trial, which is backed by the UK government, aims to support its wider work of introducing satellite connectivity on all mainland trains.
From Fort William and Mallaig to Crianlarich, the line has long faced challenges in accessing reliable mobile and broadband coverage.
Liz Lloyd, the UK space minister, said: “The West Highland Line is one of Scotland’s most iconic rail routes, but for too long passengers and communities along it have had to put up with poor or no connectivity.
“From November, passengers will benefit from the use of satellite technology in this trial to solve a real problem in one of the UK’s most remote and beautiful places.
“I’m delighted that this UK government investment is delivering tangible benefits for Scottish passengers, delivering new opportunities for some of the UK’s most remote and idyllic communities.”
The project, known as SODOR (Satellites for Digitalisation of Railways), is among 16 programmes sharing £13 million of UK Space Agency funding delivered via the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) scheme.
ScotRail trains on the 168-mile Far North Line previously became the first in the world to be connected by Starlink’s satellite internet owned by Elon Musk as part of a separate trial.
Scotland Office minister Melanie Ward said: “Passengers travelling on the West Highland Line get to enjoy some of the most spectacular vistas that Scotland—and indeed the world—has to offer. It’s great to see UK government-funded innovation making their experience that bit better.
“We all know how patchy train Wi-Fi can be, especially on rural routes like this one. This new advanced satellite gives travellers reliable internet connection to work on the go, or share these breathtaking views in real time. We are backing British business to deliver innovations that make everyday life easier.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, said: “Scotland’s railway has some of the most rural and remote routes in the UK, so finding innovative ways to improve connectivity, support reliable operations, and enhance the experience of our customers and colleagues is a key area of interest for ScotRail.
“We’ve already been at the forefront of pioneering work to improve connectivity on rural routes, and this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to explore how another form of low-Earth orbit satellite technology could perform in a live railway environment.
“We’re pleased to support the project by enabling the Eutelsat equipment to be installed and tested on a Class 156 train, providing our operational insight and expertise, and helping assess how it compares with other connectivity solutions we are already exploring.
“While this trial is still at an early stage, we’re keen to continue leading the way in testing emerging technology and understanding the benefits it could bring for our customers, colleagues, and the remote communities we serve.”
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