Italy’s Italo selects Starlink to power onboard satellite internet across fleet

Summary

Italian high-speed rail operator Italo plans to deploy SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system across its train fleet by 2027, marking one of the first large-scale rail rollouts of low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity. The move signals growing interest in satellite-backed broadband as rail operators seek faster, more reliable onboard internet.

Rome, Feb 12 — Italian high-speed rail operator Italo said it will roll out SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system across its fleet, following nearly a year of technical testing to evaluate performance and stability.

The company aims to complete deployment by 2027, positioning itself among the first major rail operators to move from pilot testing to full commercial adoption of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity.

Rail sector turns to low Earth orbit satellites

Starlink, owned by SpaceX, has expanded rapidly in aviation, where airlines are increasingly adopting LEO satellite systems to provide faster onboard internet.

Rail operators have explored similar upgrades, but most have so far limited implementation to short-term trials or hybrid experiments combining terrestrial mobile networks with satellite services.

Traditional train connectivity relies heavily on ground-based cellular networks, which can struggle in tunnels, remote areas and high-speed corridors. LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth than geostationary systems, reducing latency and improving bandwidth — critical for streaming, video conferencing and cloud-based applications.

Competitive landscape in Europe

Several European rail operators have tested satellite connectivity in recent years.

Italy’s state railway group, Ferrovie dello Stato, conducted a limited trial last year involving Starlink and another provider. Scotland’s ScotRail ran a pilot programme in 2025, while France’s SNCF has said it is evaluating hybrid connectivity models.

Italo’s decision to proceed with a fleet-wide rollout distinguishes it from peers that remain in evaluation phases.

Enhancing passenger experience

Italo said the rollout aims to deliver stable, high-speed internet access suitable for streaming, video conferencing and remote work.

Reliable onboard connectivity has become a key competitive factor in premium and business travel segments. As rail operators compete with airlines on speed and convenience, digital experience increasingly influences customer choice.

Satellite-backed broadband also aligns with a broader shift in transport infrastructure toward always-on connectivity across aviation, maritime and rail sectors.

Why this matters

The adoption of LEO satellite technology by a major rail operator highlights the convergence of transport infrastructure and space-based communications.

As satellite constellations expand, terrestrial connectivity limitations — particularly in high-speed or rural environments — are becoming more apparent. Rail operators face growing pressure to deliver consistent digital performance comparable to office or home broadband.

If Italo’s rollout proves commercially successful, it could accelerate similar deployments across Europe and reshape expectations for onboard internet in long-distance rail travel.

For SpaceX’s Starlink, the agreement signals continued diversification beyond residential and aviation markets into large-scale transport infrastructure.

FAQs

Q1: What is Italo planning to implement?

Italo will deploy SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system across its high-speed train fleet.

Q2: Why is this significant?

It represents one of the first large-scale rail rollouts of low Earth orbit satellite connectivity beyond pilot programmes.

Q3: How does Starlink improve train internet?

LEO satellites offer lower latency and higher bandwidth compared with traditional satellite systems and can provide more consistent coverage than terrestrial networks in certain environments.

Q4: Have other rail companies tested Starlink?

Yes. Ferrovie dello Stato, ScotRail and SNCF have conducted trials or evaluations, though none have announced full fleet-wide adoption.

Q5: When will the rollout be completed?

Italo aims to complete deployment across its fleet by 2027.

Q6: What does this mean for passengers?

Passengers are expected to experience more stable, higher-speed internet suitable for streaming and business use while travelling.