Overview
- The nine-coach Unit 802101 is circulating on Great Western intercity routes through January as GWR measures performance and passenger usage.
- Independent onboard checks reported roughly 70 Mbps download speeds at 125 mph, pointing to a major improvement over typical UK train connections.
- Motion Applied’s system uses four roof-mounted units to combine Starlink low‑Earth‑orbit satellite links with 5G mast signals, choosing the strongest route in milliseconds.
- GWR says strong results would trigger a case for tens of millions of pounds in public funding to equip Intercity Express Trains nationwide before expanding to commuter services.
- Ministers and regional partners highlight productivity and regional benefits, as research shows GWR has trailed LNER and Greater Anglia for onboard connectivity.