Clarus Networks is proud to play a key role in a new 60-day connectivity trial with Great Western Railway (GWR) and technology partner Motion Applied, aimed at transforming the reliability and performance of onboard Wi-Fi for passengers travelling across the South West and South Wales.
Demand for seamless connectivity while travelling has never been higher. Whether for work, entertainment, or staying in touch, passengers increasingly expect a strong, reliable connection throughout their journey. Yet many rail routes across the UK continue to suffer from signal blackspots, network congestion, and infrastructure limitations.
This new trial aims to change that.
Formula 1-Inspired Technology Meets High-Speed Satellite Connectivity
The project has already attracted national attention, including recent coverage by the BBC, highlighting how Motion Applied is bringing Formula 1-grade innovation to the rail industry. Their technology – originally developed to manage rapid, complex signal switching at high speeds in motorsport – has been adapted to ensure smoother transitions between connectivity networks on fast-moving trains.
To complement this intelligence-driven switching, Clarus Networks is supplying high-speed Starlink connectivity. Having worked directly with SpaceX engineers, we became the first provider to certify Starlink for rail use, ensuring the hardware could withstand rail-specific power, vibration, and environmental conditions.
This combination of advanced 5G technology and multi-orbit satellite connectivity creates a resilient system capable of supporting both passenger Wi-Fi and critical operational communications.
Promising Results from Early Testing
Results from the recent media-on-the-train demonstration have been described as excellent. Journalists and industry observers reported strong, stable connections throughout the journey, highlighting the potential of this blended 5G and satellite solution to resolve long-standing connectivity challenges on UK railways.
For passengers, this means:
- Faster and more consistent browsing and streaming
- Reduced dropouts in known coverage blackspots
- A smoother online experience throughout the journey
For operators, it opens the door to enhanced digital systems, real-time monitoring, and improved staff communication tools.
Building on Proven Success with ScotRail
The GWR trial follows our recent landmark work with ScotRail, where we delivered a world-first deployment of Starlink for passenger connectivity. That project successfully bridged some of the UK’s toughest terrestrial blackspots, providing gigabit-capable speeds across remote Highland and rural corridors. The results set a new global benchmark for digital rail infrastructure and demonstrated what can be achieved when next-generation satellite and 5G technologies are seamlessly integrated.
Strengthening the UK’s Transport Digital Backbone
Recent studies continue to show that the UK lags behind other nations when it comes to on-train internet performance. Improving this is essential – not only for enhancing the passenger experience but also for supporting the UK’s vision for a more connected, data-driven rail network.
By combining Motion Applied’s intelligent switching platform with Clarus Networks’ high-speed Starlink capabilities, this GWR trial represents an important step toward building a modern, resilient digital backbone for rail transport across the region.
If successful, this approach could form the basis of a wider rollout across the UK, helping deliver the level of connectivity passengers increasingly expect and operators increasingly rely upon.
