Webinar roundup: Satellites and rail connectivity – next steps post-Spending Review
As government investment in digital transport infrastructure accelerates following the Spending Review, the rail sector is entering a pivotal moment in its journey to deliver reliable, high-quality passenger connectivity. techUK’s recent webinar on satellites and rail connectivity brought together industry and policy stakeholders to examine the role of LEO constellations in improving Wi-Fi on trains, the practicalities of deployment, and the need for a coherent cross-government strategy to guide the next decade of delivery.
Joining us for this session were:
Hybrid connectivity is becoming essential for a modern rail network
Trials presented during the session highlighted that LEO satellites can provide meaningful improvements to reliability and throughput, particularly on rural and hard-to-reach routes where mobile coverage remains inconsistent. Recent testing on the North York Moors Railway, for example, showed strong performance compared to terrestrial-only systems and positive feedback from users—an early indicator that satellite-supported services can materially improve the passenger experience in the right contexts. Further planned trials will help build a broader evidence base and refine business cases ahead of potential large-scale deployment.
A growing but constrained market
Despite increasing momentum, several practical considerations remain. One area of interest raised during the webinar’s Q&A was whether LEO data costs could undercut those offered by MNOs and aggregators. While isolated trials have suggested that costs can occasionally be lower, such pricing is unlikely to be sustainable at scale. Current LEO operators do not yet have the capacity to support connectivity for all UK passenger trains, and costs would likely rise as demand increases.
Integration matters
Across the discussion, a consistent theme emerged: achieving nationwide, high-quality rail connectivity requires more than satellite trials alone. It needs a joined-up strategy spanning non-terrestrial networks (NTN), terrestrial networks (TN), operational communications, and passenger services.
Participants stressed that passenger Wi-Fi upgrades and the rollout of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) must not be treated as separate programmes. Both rely on digital infrastructure, both will draw on overlapping spectrum and backhaul requirements, and both face similar questions around integration with MNO networks and trackside infrastructure. Treating these as parallel but disconnected initiatives risks duplication and inefficiency.
Towards a coherent national approach
The discussion underscored a shared ambition across industry and government: to provide passengers with consistent, reliable connectivity and to equip rail operations with resilient, modern communications systems. LEO satellites are set to play a significant role – particularly for rural, remote, and topographically challenging routes but must be embedded within a wider hybrid model that includes MNO and trackside solutions.
For this to succeed, the UK now needs an overarching strategy that integrates NTN and TN investment, aligns passenger and operational connectivity programmes, and provides clarity to suppliers on long-term requirements and procurement pathways.
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Meet the team
Sophie Greaves
Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 0207 331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/
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Phil Reid
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Phil is acting Head of Telecoms and Spectrum policy at techUK, where he leads the Communications, Infrastructure and Services Programme. This focuses on promoting the benefits and innovations of connectivity and tackles the barriers of digital infrsatructre rollout.
Phil's background lies in public affairs and policy, supporting numerous organisations to navigate their policy landscape, build their political profile and engage on key issues with impact. His previous roles were predominantly in consultancy but he has also had extensive experience in establishing and manging both trade bodies and campaign groupings; leading their secretariat functions as well as their public affairs and communications activities.
Telecoms has been an ever-constant sector focus during his career, covering an array of issues such as IP-migration, broadband rollout, net neutrality, telecoms fraud, network resilience and security. He has a strong understanding of the sector ecosytem, its major policy issues and has had plenty of interaction with its key stakeholders.
Outside of work, if he's not enjoying family time with his wife and two daughters, he'll be either playing or watching some form of sport.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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Tales Gaspar
Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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Josh Turpin
Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
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