South Western Railway Begins Starlink Wi‑Fi Trial on UK Trains

Passengers on South Western Railway trains are now testing Starlink Wi‑Fi on key routes between London and the South Coast. The trial began on 20 December 2025. It runs on Class 444 trains between London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour, and Weymouth. It aims to fix long‑standing gaps in mobile and Wi‑Fi service.

This move matters because rail users have faced weak signals for many years. Rural areas such as the New Forest have been major blackspots. According to Reuters, the new satellite system offers stronger coverage than current rail Wi‑Fi. It marks a clear step in the UK’s wider rail upgrade plan.

Starlink Wi‑Fi Brings Wider Coverage for Rail Passengers

SWR says Starlink offers more stable service than older Wi‑Fi systems. Older systems used mobile masts. These systems often failed in tunnels and rural areas. Starlink uses low‑Earth orbit satellites. These satellites create a wider and steadier link.

Early tests show 97% route coverage. This includes the New Forest. This area once had long signal dropouts. Now passengers report steady access for work and streaming.

The benefit is clear for commuters. They can work without breaks in service. Families can watch shows during long rides. The upgrade also supports the UK’s plan to improve daily travel.

The trial is part of wider investment by the publicly owned operator. SWR has also added new Arterio trains to raise capacity into London Waterloo. These trains include plug sockets and air‑cooled cabins. According to BBC News, these trains are part of a long‑term modernisation push across the network.

Why the Starlink Trial Marks a Larger Rail Shift

The government is preparing major reforms through the Railways Bill. The bill aims to improve train service, simplify tickets, and expand public oversight. A national project to remove mobile blackspots in tunnels begins in 2026. This will support satellite systems and mobile services together.

Passengers will also see a historic fare freeze. This is the first freeze in around 30 years. It aims to ease costs during a tight economy. It also encourages more people to choose rail travel.

The Starlink trial fits this shift toward better service. It shows how new tools can raise the standard for rail travel. Other operators may follow if results remain strong.

What the Upgrade Could Mean for Future Travel

If the trial works, more SWR trains may get Starlink in 2026 and 2027. Other public operators may join next. This could set a new norm for UK train Wi‑Fi.

Better Wi‑Fi means better work options for riders. It adds comfort to long journeys. It also shows the UK is ready to adopt new tools to fix old problems. As Reuters notes, connectivity is now a core part of transport planning.

The Starlink Wi‑Fi trial is a major test for modern rail travel. It shows how new tech can bring stronger service across the UK. It may set a new standard for future rail upgrades using Starlink.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Starlink Wi‑Fi on SWR trains?

It is a new satellite Wi‑Fi service tested on SWR trains. It uses low‑Earth orbit satellites for steady coverage. It replaces weaker mobile‑based systems.

Q2: Which routes have the new Wi‑Fi?

The trial runs on Class 444 trains. These trains run between London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour, and Weymouth. More routes may be added later.

Q3: How much coverage does the trial provide?

Early tests show about 97% coverage. This includes rural areas that had long dropouts. It marks a strong jump in service quality.

Q4: Why is SWR upgrading its Wi‑Fi?

The goal is to fix long‑standing signal gaps. It also supports wider rail upgrades across the UK. The government plans major reforms and better tech.

Q5: Will other train operators use Starlink?

It is possible if the trial works. Other operators are watching the results. A wider rollout could start in the next few years.