Satellite broadband is set to be trialled for passengers on Scotland’s iconic West Highland Line as part of a government-backed initiative to enhance connectivity in remote regions. The project, known as Satellites for Digitalisation of Railways (SODOR), aims to address the long-standing issue of unreliable mobile and broadband connections along the scenic route, benefiting both travellers and railway operations.
IT firm CGI will lead the installation of advanced satellite communications equipment on a ScotRail Class 156 train operating between Fort William, Mallaig, and Crianlarich.
The SODOR project has secured £428,000 in funding from the UK Space Agency, contributing to its overall value exceeding £4 million. This investment is part of a broader £13 million programme, distributed among 16 initiatives through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme.
UK Government Space Minister Liz Lloyd highlighted the significance of the trial, stating: “The West Highland Line is one of Scotland’s most iconic rail routes, but for too long passengers and communities along it have had to put up with poor or no connectivity. From November, passengers will benefit from the use of satellite technology in this trial to solve a real problem in one of the UK’s most remote and beautiful places.”
Baroness Lloyd further added: “I’m delighted that this UK Government investment is delivering tangible benefits for Scottish passengers, delivering new opportunities for some of the UK’s most remote and idyllic communities.”
Echoing this sentiment, UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward commented on the improved passenger experience: “Passengers travelling on the West Highland Line get to enjoy some of the most spectacular vistas that Scotland—and indeed the world—has to offer. It’s great to see UK Government-funded innovation making their experience that bit better.” Ms Ward also noted the common frustration of patchy train Wi-Fi, particularly on rural lines, and underscored that this new advanced satellite system would provide travellers with “reliable internet connection to work on the go, or share these breathtaking views in real time.”
Dr Jaime Reed, Vice President Space Data Platforms and Applications at CGI, emphasised the transformative potential of the project. “SODOR will demonstrate how satellite communications can transform connectivity on some of the UK’s most remote rail routes, delivering tangible benefits for passengers, rail operators and the communities they serve.”
“By combining innovative space and digital technologies, we’re helping to improve the passenger experience, support more resilient railway operations and showcase how UK innovation can solve real-world connectivity challenges. We look forward to working with our partners and the UK Space Agency to help shape the future of connected rail.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, reiterated the importance of innovation for Scotland’s railway network:
“Scotland’s Railway has some of the most rural and remote routes in the UK, so finding innovative ways to improve connectivity, support reliable operations, and enhance the experience of our customers and colleagues is a key area of interest for ScotRail. We’ve already been at the forefront of pioneering work to improve connectivity on rural routes, and this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to explore how another form of low-Earth orbit satellite technology could perform in a live railway environment.”
The trial, which is expected to commence benefiting passengers from November, represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in some of Scotland’s most challenging geographical areas.
