F1 Tech Zooms Into Trains for Lightning-Fast Wi-Fi on the Move!

A new pilot project in the UK is aiming to make train wi-fi much faster and more reliable by using technology that was first developed for Formula 1 racing cars. The Great Western Railway, known as GWR, is testing a hybrid system that combines signals from mobile phone towers on the ground with low earth orbit satellites in space. This combination is expected to provide a stronger and more consistent internet connection for passengers traveling on trains. The project is being led by British tech company Motion Applied, in partnership with Peninsula Transport, which oversees transportation in Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay. The pilot will run for 60 days on one of GWR’s Intercity Express Trains in the South West region, having started in mid-November.

The UK has struggled with slow train wi-fi compared to other countries. In a recent ranking of 18 major European and Asian countries, the UK came in 16th place for train wi-fi speed, with average download speeds of just 1. 09 megabits per second. In contrast, Sweden’s trains offer much faster speeds at 64. 58 megabits per second. Nick Fry, chairman of Motion Applied and formerly part of the McLaren Group, explained that the challenges of keeping a train connected to the internet while moving quickly are similar to those faced in motorsport. By using technology originally designed for Formula 1 cars, trains can switch between ground-based networks and space-based networks, such as low earth orbit satellites, to maintain a reliable connection without interruptions.

The UK government is supporting these improvements. In the 2025 spending review, the Department of Transport secured £41 million to introduce low earth orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains by 2030. Councillor Dan Rogerson from Peninsula Transport called the pilot a major milestone in efforts to modernize transport infrastructure across the South West and South Wales. He emphasized that the project is not just about providing wi-fi for passengers, but about creating a new digital backbone for the entire transport network. Bruce Williamson from the campaign group Railfuture said the scheme is promising, noting that wi-fi has become an essential service for travelers. He is hopeful but cautious about the results. Earlier this year, South Western Railway launched its own superfast wi-fi rollout for trains between Earlsfield and Basingstoke, using trackside poles and antennas to create a dedicated 5G rail network. These efforts reflect a growing trend to keep passengers connected and improve the overall travel experience on UK trains.