Low Earth Orbit Satellite Train Connectivity
Department for TransportEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
19 August 2025
Type
Not specified
Overview
The Department for Transport secured funding as part of Spending Review 2025 to improve the provision of on-train wifi for rail passengers. Our objective is to retro-fit Great British Railway train operators' mainlines trains (c. 1,425 units) by 2030.
We intend to upgrade the existing in-carriage on-train wifi equipment to the latest standards, provide low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity to enhance the existing mobile network operator connections, and hence deliver a more generally available higher speed internet connection for wifi-connected rail passengers. To meet our objectives and timescales, we are developing our procurement and delivery strategies.
To help shape our approach we are now seeking engagement with interested parties in the value chain including suppliers and stakeholders. The Department for Transport secured funding as part of Spending Review 2025 to improve the provision of on-train wifi for rail passengers.
Additional details
Our objective is to retro-fit the majority of Great British Railway train operators' mainlines trains by 2030. We intend to upgrade the existing in-carriage on-train wifi equipment to the latest standards, provide low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity to enhance the existing mobile network operator connections, and hence deliver a more generally available higher speed internet connection for wifi-connected rail passengers.
To meet our objectives and timescales, we are developing our procurement and delivery strategies. To help shape our approach we are now seeking engagement with interested parties in the value chain including suppliers and stakeholders.
Details of this requirement, such as a firm value approach to procuring and competition timelines are unknown at this stage and will be informed by the outcome of this engagement exercise. For further details of this requirement and how to engage with the Department, please follow this link to the Department’s e-sourcing platform https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/889244250198C2E6A8E3. If you are not already registered on the Department’s e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can do so here https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html
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Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
TRL
5 contracts wonlatest 3 Sept 2026ends 10 Nov 2028£7m
total awarded
- 2
BSI Standards Limited
5 contracts wonlatest 6 Aug 2026ends 31 Mar 2029£2m
total awarded
- 3
Systra Limited
4 contracts wonlatest 28 Sept 2026ends 30 Apr 2028£3m
total awarded
- 4
Mott Macdonald
4 contracts wonlatest 14 Sept 2026ends 5 Jun 2026£891,154
total awarded
- 5
Niblock (Builders) Ltd
£1m
total awarded
TRL is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
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Buyer Profile
Department for TransportKey Dates
Published
19 August 2025
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
planning
Source
find a tender
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