Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO connectivity on a train in Gabon. Photo: Eutelsat

Rail passengers in Gabon will benefit from having connectivity thanks to a partnership between Eutelsat and Airtel Gabon to deploy OneWeb Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity services on trains. The two companies announced the partnership, Dec. 30.

The deployment builds on successful testing and is being implemented as part of a national initiative led by the Gabonese Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation and the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, in collaboration with the Transgabon Railway Operating Company (SETRAG). By extending LEO connectivity to rail transport, the project will support Gabon’s efforts to integrate digital services into public transportation, modernise the railway experience and enhance passenger comfort, while enabling reliable broadband services along long-distance routes beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

For Eutelsat, it reinforces their collaboration with Airtel, potentially laying the groundwork for a broader deployment of rail connectivity solutions across Africa.

“Working with Eutelsat, the government, and national partners such as SETRAG, we are supporting the delivery of onboard connectivity services that enhance passenger comfort and support the integration of digital services into Gabon’s rail network. This project reflects our broader commitment to supporting the country’s highest authorities in their vision for innovation and digital transformation across the country,” Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, Airtel Gabon managing director, said in a statement.