Ofcom Offers Licences For Satellite Broadband On Trains

Ofcom has today made available a new type of spectrum licence that will allow broadband access on trains via a satellite link.

Some train companies already deliver Wi-Fi access to customers through a series of terminals located alongside train tracks.

The new type of licence will allow train companies to install ‘satellite earth stations’ on trains to provide broadband via satellite.

Ofcom says that this could enable train operators to provide faster and more reliable mobile broadband connections for customers.

Hot spots on trains would allow services to be delivered direct to laptops or handheld devices from a transmitter on board the train, with customers able to download content and potentially use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) as they travel.

Ofcom added that testing and trials of these products have been carried out in a number of European countries and more are planned in the near future.

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk