The most annoying problem on trains may disappear. Tests are starting in Pendolino

Connectivity problems when traveling by rail are an everyday occurrence for many passengers, even on popular routes between large cities. Now PKP Intercity wants to change that. In October, satellite Internet tests will start on one of the Pendolino trains, and the new solution will be assessed by the passengers themselves. As Rynek Kolejowy writes, PKP Intercity wants to check, among others, how the system behaves in forested areas, in cities and at high train speeds.

Satellite Internet on trains: Pendolino is the first

It was already known at the beginning of the year that PKP Intercity wanted to improve the Internet connection in its trains. Now we finally know the date of commencement of tests of the new technology on board the company’s warehouses. Satellite Internet will be available to a very limited extent for now. According to Rynek Kolejowy, in October one ED250 train, i.e. Pendolino, will be equipped with a satellite Internet system. The trials are expected to last several months, and travelers will be asked to evaluate the quality of the connection in special surveys. The carrier has already carried out previous tests conducted without the participation of passengers. As experts emphasize, satellite Internet is not intended to completely replace mobile networks, but to supplement them where their coverage is too weak.

Stable internet should be standard

The trials will last several months, and in a few years, satellite Internet is expected to become the norm not only in the highest category trains (EIP), but also in other trains belonging to the company. “I hope that the tests that are now taking place will be successful and that with new modernization and new investments, we will be able to implement this solution systemically as one of the best in Europe, and even in the world,” said Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak.