France Installs Satellite Internet On Train! Passengers Can Stream And Zoom Without Disturbance

Train passengers in France will be spoiled by internet via satellite (photo: x @SNCFConnect)

JAKARTA - France's state-owned national rail company, SNCF, will soon launch a tender to deliver satellite-based internet on trains, along with similar steps from a number of train operators in Europe. The goal is to increase passenger connectivity, especially in remote areas and areas that are difficult to reach cellular networks.

In a statement, SNCF called this step part of an innovative approach to strengthening network connectivity and resilience by combining ground infrastructure (4G/5G) and low-orbital satellite systems (low Earth orbit/LEO).

Satellite and 4G/5G combinations will eliminate the dead zone and offer stable and fast service, suitable for modern use such as streaming and video conferencing, SNCF said.

According to a source, the companies under consideration for the project include Elon Musk and Eutelsat's Starlink, a French satellite operator who now has a OneWeb network with more than 600 LEO satellites.

A spokesman for Eutelsat confirmed that their company was discussing with SNCF a pilot project, as has been done in the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan.

"As one of only two active LEO operators in the world and the only one from France, we will bid alongside local partners like Orange Business Services," said Eutelsat's representative.

Starlink itself has expanded its services from home consumers to the corporate sector, including transportation and maritime, making it a strong competitor in this tender.

France's move follows several similar attempts in European countries. For example, Italy already held a two-week trial in June with two providers, including Starlink, according to Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. EvenScotland, through ScotRail operator, has been running trials for six weeks since May.

So far, most trains in Europe depend on mobile networks for internet access. However, connections are often unstable, especially in rural areas, mountains, or as trains travel at high speed and must continue to move BTS towers.

Satellite-based solutions are considered more consistent and do not depend on ground infrastructure, making them ideal for reaching a minimal signal area.

With this initiative, France affirms its commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure in the transportation sector and expanding high-quality internet access for all passengers, no matter how far they travel.