Eutelsat Tests Satellite Connectivity Aboard Train in Poland
The satellite operator announced the completion of its first satellite connectivity trial aboard a mainline train in Poland. This initiative demonstrates Eutelsat's orientation toward connectivity services intended for rail transport.
A Trial Conducted on the PKP Intercity Network in Operation
Eutelsat conducted its first connectivity trial aboard a mainline train in Poland, leveraging its OneWeb LEO network. The trial was conducted by ACO Solutions as the main systems integrator, with Eutelsat and HispaSat as distribution partners.
It was carried out aboard a PKP Intercity network train operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h, on the rail corridor connecting Kozłów, Warsaw and Tczew. The operation made it possible to collect data on service performance and assess the handover between satellite link and terrestrial networks throughout the entire journey.
For this trial, the choice was made for a Kestrel u5 terminal from Kymeta, certified by TÜV Rheinland and designed for the rail sector. This terminal offers an IP69K protection rating and power consumption below 100 W on average.
A Solution Intended for Passenger and Freight Transport
Eutelsat's rail connectivity solution combines its OneWeb LEO satellite service with existing rail communications infrastructure. It aims to ensure passenger connectivity, communications related to operational operations and data transfer services.
The solution provides the interface between onboard systems and ground facilities, enabling rail operators to remain connected to their operational centers across their entire networks. Eva Bisgaard, President of Eutelsat's Connectivity division, stated that this trial marks "an important milestone" for the group and expressed the group's willingness to deploy these services to rail operators "in Europe and beyond".
Joanna Siecińska, member of the management committee responsible for finance and commercial development at PKP Intercity, stated that the success of this trial represents "an important step" toward the objective of offering passengers more reliable and more stable Internet connections.
