South Western Railway Introduces Satellite Wi-Fi on London to South of England Route: A Festive Trial Offering Unmatched Connectivity

Published on December 23, 2025

This Christmas, South Western Railway (SWR) is rolling out a new satellite-powered Wi-Fi trial for passengers traveling between London Waterloo and the south of England. The trial, which launched on December 20, 2025, provides stronger, faster internet connectivity for travelers heading to Portsmouth and Weymouth, marking a significant step in enhancing onboard experiences during the busy holiday season.

Powered by SpaceX’s Starlink technology, this initiative is one of the first of its kind in England, aiming to address long-standing connectivity issues faced by passengers traveling through rural and remote areas. The trial, which will run for one year, covers key routes that have historically suffered from signal blackspots, including the New Forest — one of the most challenging areas for mobile networks. With up to 97% coverage along the route, passengers can now enjoy uninterrupted internet service, whether they’re streaming holiday movies, shopping online, or staying connected with friends and family.

Previously, passengers on these routes experienced Wi-Fi dropouts lasting over 20 minutes due to the reliance on traditional mobile networks. The introduction of satellite-powered Wi-Fi resolves this issue by using a network of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide more reliable and faster internet, even in the most remote regions.

This cutting-edge satellite technology is being tested on a Class 444 train operating between London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour, and Weymouth. Early results from the trial show a marked improvement in both speed and coverage, offering passengers a seamless digital experience during their travels.

If the trial proves successful, South Western Railway plans to expand the technology across its fleet, potentially inspiring other publicly-owned rail operators to adopt satellite Wi-Fi solutions. The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the railway system under the public ownership of Great British Railways, which is focused on improving passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The satellite Wi-Fi trial is part of a wider national initiative known as Project Reach, which aims to tackle mobile signal blackspots on key rail routes, including tunnels. Backed by both public and private investment, the project is expected to eliminate connectivity issues and improve overall service for rail passengers. By 2028, Project Reach is set to save taxpayers approximately £300 million, with the first phase of mobile infrastructure installations beginning in 2026.

In addition to the Wi-Fi improvements, South Western Railway has also significantly upgraded its fleet. The introduction of new Arterio trains, which offer air conditioning, accessible toilets, and charging points at every seat, has increased morning peak capacity into London Waterloo by nearly 12% since May. These upgrades represent a continued commitment to modernizing the railway system and ensuring a more comfortable, efficient travel experience for passengers.

This new satellite Wi-Fi service arrives as the UK government freezes rail fares for the first time in 30 years, a move aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for passengers. With public scrutiny on the ongoing Railways Bill, the government’s decision underscores the growing importance of reliable, affordable rail travel for both commuters and tourists alike.

As the festive season continues, passengers on the London to south of England routes can look forward to a smoother, more connected journey. With this trial paving the way for broader connectivity enhancements across the UK, the future of rail travel looks set to be faster, more reliable, and far more digitally connected than ever before.