In addition to its residential offerings, Starlink already has deals to offer its satellite connection to planes and boats. And now, Elon Musk’s service can also connect trains. The Scottish company Clarus Network Group, reseller of Starlink products, has just announced that it has obtained the necessary certifications to install Starlink antennas on trains. And the first trains to benefit from this innovation are the Class 158 trains of the ScotRail company which operate the “Far North” line.
Providing good WiFi on trains has always been complicated, but it is even more difficult on the Far North Line. According to Clarus Network Group, the Starlink satellite connection should “resolve long-standing communication problems in the Scottish Highlands.” Furthermore, the installation of Starlink antennas on trains not only allows passengers to have a good connection, it will also allow ScotRail to obtain real-time data on its trains.
Game-changing technology
“We are delighted to partner with Clarus to test Starlink on our trains. This collaboration advances our efforts to provide reliable connectivity to passengers, staff and operational systems”said Scott Prentice, director of strategy and planning at ScotRail. “By integrating Starlink satellite technology into our networks, we are addressing long-standing communications challenges and improving the overall traveler experience.”
Mike Butler, director of rail and innovation at Clarus, says this new train product will be a game-changer. The company is now positioned as an authorized reseller of Starlink products specifically for the rail sector.
On the social network X, Elon Musk said “cool”, in reaction to this news.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2024
- Starlink already offers its satellite connection for planes and boats
- In Scotland, one of its resellers installed Starlink antennas on trains in order to provide a good connection to passengers, but also to allow real-time tracking
- ScotRail says the addition of Starlink to its trains solves a long-standing telecommunications problem
