Have you ever wondered, “How does wifi on trains work?” or perhaps, “Can you get WiFi on trains reliably?” With hybrid working becoming the new norm and leisure travellers seeking seamless digital experiences, onboard connectivity is more essential than ever. Icomera’s innovative passenger Wi-Fi solutionsinnovative passenger Wi-Fi solutions deliver precisely that: fast, secure, and reliable wifi on trains, helping millions of passengers stay productive and connected every week.
How Does Wi-Fi Connection work on trains?
Passenger Wi-Fi on trains is made possible through advanced mobile connectivity routers like those offered by Icomera. The most advanced of these routers will typically use multi-carrier cellular connections, intelligently aggregating bandwidth from multiple networks. Icomera’s SureWAN™ technology ensures consistent, uninterrupted Internet access even at high speeds across diverse geographical landscapes..
Reliable Wi-Fi on Trains for The Connected Journey
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped commuter expectations significantly. With hybrid working arrangements now commonplace, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity on trains allows commuters to maximise productivity. Passengers can easily participate in teams conference calls, send emails, and complete work-related tasks en route to their destinations. Indeed, a recent survey highlighted that 11% of Zoom calls are joined by people travelling on passenger transport.
For leisure travellers, reliable train Wi-Fi transforms journeys into enjoyable experiences. Passengers stay engaged by shopping online, streaming entertainment, keeping in touch via social media, or even learning new skills—all while commuting. Good Wi-Fi can transform a typically mundane commute into productive, enjoyable downtime.
Why Passenger Wi-Fi Matters?
Quality onboard Wi-Fi service can significantly enhance passenger satisfaction, influencing travel frequency and mode choice. Studies demonstrate that offering free Wi-Fi on board boosts passenger numbers, increases revenue, and reduces car dependency among commuters. For transport operators aiming to attract tech-savvy ‘Generation Z’ passengers, high-quality Wi-Fi access is a critical selling point. This demographic expects instant and seamless connectivity wherever they go, and meeting their expectations is crucial for growing ridership.
Reliable Wi-Fi can also provide a competitive advantage over alternative transport modes such as ride-sharing or personal cars. Operators who deliver excellent Wi-Fi experiences are more likely to foster loyalty among their passengers, increasing repeat business and overall customer satisfaction.
Do Trains use Satellite Connectivity for Wi-Fi?
In a significant advancement for onboard connectivity, Icomera has become an authorised reseller of SpaceX’s Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency satellite Internet access on trains. This will address the limitations of traditional cellular networks, especially in remote areas where cellular coverage is often inadequate. By combining Starlink’s satellite technology with Icomera’s SureWAN™ aggregation protocol, trains can effortlessly transition between satellite and cellular networks, offering a continuous and strong Wi-Fi connection during travel.
Trials have demonstrated impressive results, with throughput consistently ranging between 200-400 Mbps per Starlink terminal and latency under 40 milliseconds. This enhancement not only elevates the passenger experience by enabling activities such as streaming and video conferencing but also supports operational efficiencies like real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
The Icomera Advantage
Icomera’s onboard connectivity solutions do more than just offer passenger-friendly Wi-Fi. Using powerful routers and the cloud-based ICONIC management suite, operators can optimise passenger Internet experiences through traffic management, content filtering, and insightful reporting. Additionally, the same connectivity infrastructure supports other onboard digital systems, such as real-time information displays and Automatic Passenger Counting solutions, making Icomera’s Wi-Fi solution a highly efficient investment.
Ultimately, providing Wi-Fi on trains isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about enhancing the overall passenger experience. When Wi-Fi works reliably, every journey becomes an opportunity for productivity, connection, and entertainment.
