Airtel has successfully tested satellite internet on a moving train in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a historic shift in connectivity for African railways.
- Airtel has successfully tested satellite internet on a moving train in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a historic shift in connectivity for...
- As demonstrated by the successful trial, 669 kilometers of remote, forested terrain in areas inaccessible to traditional cell towers and...
- This has changed since the satellite trials were successful.
- Download and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 20 Mbps, respectively, were adequate for train operations and multiple-device...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Airtel Africa — everything you need to know is covered below.
As demonstrated by the successful trial, 669 kilometers of remote, forested terrain in areas inaccessible to traditional cell towers and fiber optics can now receive uninterrupted high-speed internet.
Enhancing connectivity with Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellite constellation along train routes
In sub-Saharan Africa, railways have been essential for carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers and millions of tonnes of freight annually.
Until recently, most of these railway routes passed through regions not connected to the modern world. This has changed since the satellite trials were successful.
The tests maintained the train’s connectivity for most of the trip between important cities, using Eutelsat OneWeb’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and Airtel Satellite for Business. The connection was strong, dependable, and remarkably stable despite passing through dense forest.
Airtel conducted thorough tests along the route to gauge the pilot’s performance. Almost the whole trip was successfully covered. Download and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 20 Mbps, respectively, were adequate for train operations and multiple-device passengers. Performance closely matched the trial’s traffic plan, which called for 20 Mbps uplink and 100 Mbps downlink, demonstrating the system’s ability to provide reliable, high-capacity internet while in motion.
The outcomes demonstrate what is feasible: consistent performance despite the train’s continuous motion, low latency, minimal disruptions, and seamless connectivity over nearly the whole route. The trial has already demonstrated that satellite internet can provide a solution where other technologies cannot.
More than just a technical milestone
This accomplishment is more than a technical milestone because it will significantly improve railway efficiency, safety, and passenger satisfaction.
Reliable internet allows operators to perform predictive maintenance, monitor in real time, and respond quickly to emergencies. It makes lengthy flights more connected and efficient for travelers by opening the door for features like Wi-Fi on board, digital ticketing, real-time travel updates, and entertainment streaming.
This pilot is only the first step. In collaboration with Eutelsat/OneWeb, Airtel is expanding Airtel Satellite for Business throughout Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Madagascar, and Gabon, providing high-speed connectivity to some of Africa’s most remote regions.
This successful test demonstrates how satellite technology is expanding the possibilities for connectivity in Africa, from mining sites to oil fields, and now moving trains.