Formula 1 tech used to improve train Wi-Fi on GWR

A new pilot scheme, first developed in the UK, aims to bring faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on trains using technology originally developed for Formula One cars.

Trains in the Great Western Railway fleet will use a hybrid system of signals from both mobile phone towers on the ground and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in space to create more reliable communications.

The scheme was developed by UK technology company Motion Applied in partnership with the Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Peninsula Transport Authority.

The pilot will run for 60 days on board GWR's intercity express service across the southwest region, starting in mid-November.

IN recent research from network testing company OoklaThe UK was ranked 16th out of the 18 largest countries in Europe and Asia for Wi-Fi speeds on trains, with average download speeds of just 1.09 megabits per second, compared to Sweden's 64.58 megabits per second.

Nick Fry, Chairman Motion appliedformerly of the McLaren Group, said the challenges faced when connecting to the internet from a fast-moving train “have many parallels with motorsport”.

He added that using technology originally developed for Formula One cars, trains should be able to switch between terrestrial and space-based networks such as LEO satellites for a “reliable connection” without disruption.

In the 2025 Spending Review, the Department for Transport committed £41 million to introduce low-Earth satellite communications on all mainline trains by 2030.

Councilor Dan Rogerson, from the board of Peninsula Transport, called the pilot an “important milestone” in his plans to modernize transport infrastructure in the South West and South Wales.

“It’s not just about passenger Wi-Fi,” he said. “We are talking about a completely new digital backbone for our transport networks.”

Bruce Williamson of campaign group Railfuture told the BBC the scheme was “really good news”.

“We're increasingly connected these days and Wi-Fi is becoming an increasingly important service for travelers. I'm not going to hold my breath, but it's a step in the right direction.”

In May, South Western Railway launched its own separate, “ultrafast” Wi-Fi rollout for its trains between Earlsfield and Basingstoke, using roadside poles and antennas to create a dedicated 5G rail network.