Passengers on selected NSW TrainLink services will soon be able to access free onboard Wi-Fi as part of a new trial aimed at improving digital connectivity across regional NSW. Transport for NSW will trial Low Earth Orbit satellite technology combined with 4G/5G cellular communications on two NSW TrainLink long-distance trains from late 2026, supporting the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improve the experience for regional train service passengers. The three-month trial will be delivered by UK-based company Motion Applied Ltd, through its Australian subsidiary MA Connected Intelligence Pty Ltd, which was awarded the Proof-of-Concept contract following a highly competitive procurement process. The company has experience delivering similar rail connectivity solutions in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States, and will support detailed design and delivery activities through a Sydney-based team. During the three-month trial, passengers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on two trains that will be fitted with the technology: • One Xplorer train that can operate on routes including between Sydney and Canberra, Broken Hill, Griffith and Moree/Armidale. • One XPT train that can operate on routes including between Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane, Casino, Grafton and Dubbo. The trial will test how onboard communications technology performs across a range of regional, rural and interstate rail routes, including areas where mobile coverage can be limited. Low Earth Orbit satellites sit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, allowing faster and more reliable internet connectivity. The Wi-Fi solution combines satellite connectivity with 4G and 5G mobile networks, automatically switching to the strongest available signal without interrupting the user experience. Special equipment installed on the roof of the train will connect to the satellite constellation and ground-based mobile networks, while onboard Wi-Fi access points and antennas will distribute the signal throughout the train. The trial builds on previous connectivity initiatives delivered through the Regional Digital Connectivity Trials program, including: • Free Wi-Fi at Nambucca Heads Station • Free Wi-Fi and cellular repeaters on the Dubbo to Broken Hill coach service
Cellular repeaters on selected Southern Highlands, South Coast and Hunter Line intercity services. A similar six-week trial on a NSW TrainLink coach service testing Starlink connectivity between Dubbo and Broken Hill in 2023 showed promising results, delivering more consistent connectivity than mobile networks alone through areas known for coverage black spots. The current NSW TrainLink XPT and Xplorer fleet was built decades before onboard Wi-Fi became common. While the trains’ tinted windows improve passenger comfort, they can also reduce mobile phone signal strength, making connectivity challenging on long-distance journeys. Usage and passenger feedback will help inform future decisions on a potential wider rollout. The trial is a fully funded $1.5 million Digital Connectivity project. Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said: “We’re bringing free Wi-Fi to selected regional train services, helping passengers stay connected, get work done and keep in touch with family and friends on longer journeys. “For far too long, passengers have been left to deal with limited or no connection while traveling on regional trains. The Minns Labor Government is committed to fixing this. “We’ll use this Wi-Fi trial to listen to feedback and use the results to understand what works, where the technology performs best, and what’s needed for a wider rollout. “This is about delivering a better passenger experience today, while also gathering the evidence needed to plan for the future of regional rail.” Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink, Roger Weeks said: “While some passengers enjoy the ‘digital detox’ of having to switch off during their regional rail journey, increasingly it is important for people to stay connected during travel, for work, family and health reasons. “We are excited to run this trial on two of our trains which will help us determine how digital connectivity technology performs in real-world conditions and provide valuable data on passenger Wi-Fi usage and demand. “It’s another way we are listening to passenger feedback and responding to make journeys with NSW TrainLink as comfortable, reliable and appealing for the community, as we continue to connect people all over the state and interstate to more than 365 destinations.”