The UK has debuted its very-first train to utilise pilot ‘next generation’ Wi-Fi technology.
GWR’s Intercity Express Train, which was developed by Peninsula Transport in partnership with Motion Applied, Great Western Railway (GWR), Network Rail, and Hitachi, made its debut alongside a Formula 1 car today (17 November 2025) at London Paddington Station.
Using a new, hybrid system that aggregates signals from both ground-based cellular masts and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites; the pilot hopes to provide superfast, reliable speeds without the need to invest in trackside infrastructure, enabling the rollout of the technology across the UK’s rail network.
The introduction of the train comes following an announcement made by the Department for Transport (DfT) in June that pledged to eliminate mobile signal blackspots in tunnels along a number of rail routes across the country – including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.
As part of the deal, mobile network operators have also pledged to invest in a slew of new 4G/5G infrastructure at both Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington Station. The DfT has since secured an additional 41 million GBP as part of the 2025 Spending Review to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains, which aims to improve the availability and connection speeds for Wi-Fi by 2030.
Nick Fry, Chairman of Motion Applied, said:, said:Motion Applied recognised that rail networks have struggled with onboard WiFi for customers and we have used technology originally developed for F1 cars to reliably connect a fast moving vehicle by reducing signal drop outs and seamlessly switch cell networks.
The challenges faced in transmitting data to and from a fast moving train have many parallels with motorsport and the application of our industry-leading data link aggregation systems specifically tailored to the unique demands of rail will provide an improved customer experience using racing technology.
