SWR deploys Europe’s first ’Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi  

News 

South Western Railway (SWR) has become the first train operator in Europe to roll out a ‘Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi solution, promising internet speeds up to 20 times faster than currently available on most UK trains

The new technology has gone live on a 70 km stretch between Earlsfield and Basingstoke, one of the busiest parts of the rail network. The upgrade allows passengers to stream video, download large files, make video calls, and work remotely with minimal disruption. 

Unlike standard onboard Wi-Fi (which typically pulls signal from mobile masts and struggles with bandwidth when hundreds of passengers are online) the rail-5G solution involves the creation of a dedicated trackside network. Antennas installed along the route and on trains deliver a continuous connection throughout the journey. 

The system was developed by FirstGroup’s rail technology team, following a successful trial on the Isle of Wight’s Island Line. According to SWR, a full HD film could now be downloaded in just four minutes. 

“We’re thrilled that our customers travelling between Earlsfield and Basingstoke are the first to benefit from this unprecedented superfast Wi-Fi. Customers can now stream, download files, video call, and much more – without worrying about their connection,” said Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director for South Western Railway in a press release. 

“We hope this will make travelling by train an even more attractive option, helping to get people out of cars and onto the rail network,” he continued. 

SWR hopes the improved service will help make rail travel a more attractive option. A recent Ipsos poll found that 41% of UK adults would be more likely to travel by train if reliable Wi-Fi was available. Among 16–24-year-olds, that figure rises to 64%. 

The operator says more upgrades are on the way as it looks to improve digital infrastructure across its network. 

Last week, the company was the first UK train operator to be nationalised in over 30 years.

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Author: Ernestro Casas -

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