ScotRail trials Starlink connectivity. Photo: ScotRail

Scottish rail customers are going to benefit from satellite-based connectivity thanks to a partnership involving ScotRail, Clarus Networks Group and SpaceX. Trains operating on rural routes from Inverness to Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen in Scotland have been equipped with Starlink’s Rigid Terminal, which has now achieved full certification for use in rail environments. Service provider Clarus Networks Group and ScotRail announced the deployment on May 12.

Six class 158 trains have been fitted with this equipment for a six-month trial. This solution is already being considered for wider roll-out across the ScotRail fleet, with potential to cover other remote lines including the West Highlands, Stranraer, Dumfries, and the Borders. It is also influencing the requirements of future rolling stock procurement, which Clarus Networks said would make connectivity a “core part” of train design and delivery.

The solution has been developed in close collaboration with SpaceX engineers to meet the standards required for rail deployment, including vibration, varying altitudes, and severe weather exposure. Clarus Networks said the terminal achieved certification to the EN50155, EN50121, and EN45545 standards including electromagnetic compatibility, electronic equipment resilience, and compliance with fire protection requirements in rail vehicles.

“This project marks a major step forward in closing the digital divide for rural rail routes. By harnessing the power of LEO satellite technology, we’re able to deliver fast, reliable connectivity in some of the most remote parts of the U.K. rail network. This approach helps overcome the coverage and performance limitations of traditional mobile networks — a challenge faced by rail operators globally,” Mike Butler, director of Rail & Innovation at Clarus Networks, said in a statement.

“The project addresses the long-standing challenges we’ve had for train connectivity in the region, and we hope it will lead to a future roll-out of the technology across other rural routes in Scotland,” Scott Prentice, ScotRail strategy and planning director said in a statement.