Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to UK trains this autumn
Key Points
- Lumo is installing SpaceX Starlink satellite Wi-Fi on its East Coast Main Line trains from autumn 2026.
- The route runs from London King's Cross to Edinburgh and Glasgow, via Stevenage, Newcastle, Morpeth and Falkirk.
- Starlink uses low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet without relying on trackside masts.
- Delivery partners are Hitachi, Icomera and Beacon Rail.
- Lumo already runs 5G-enabled Wi-Fi on its West Coast services between London Euston and Stirling.
Lumo will fit SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet to its East Coast Main Line trains from this autumn, the open access operator has announced.
The rollout will cover Lumo’s all-electric fleet running between London King’s Cross and Scotland, calling at Stevenage, Newcastle, Morpeth, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow.
Lumo said the upgrade is aimed at both leisure and business travellers who increasingly expect to work, stream and stay in touch throughout their journey.
Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite broadband service, which uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet.
Because it beams connectivity from space rather than relying on ground-based masts, it is designed to work in places traditional networks struggle to reach, from remote countryside to busy urban areas.
Onboard Wi-Fi on UK intercity routes typically depends on trackside infrastructure and mobile networks, both of which leave coverage gaps along long stretches of line.
Lumo said a satellite-based system should deliver a more consistent connection across the full route, rather than dropping out as trains pass through areas with weak mobile signal.
Lumo is delivering the project alongside train manufacturer Hitachi, onboard connectivity specialist Icomera and rolling stock lessor Beacon Rail, which together will install the satellite-enabled system on the East Coast fleet.
“Providing a high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi experience is vital for our customers, whether they’re travelling for business or leisure. We know people want to stay connected and work effectively while onboard,” said Paul Jackson, Lumo’s Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement.
“The introduction of Starlink technology on our East Coast Main Line services marks a significant step forward in connectivity. Working with Hitachi and Icomera, we’re committed to delivering a modern, seamless experience that helps customers get the most out of their journey with Lumo.”
The East Coast plan builds on connectivity work Lumo has already rolled out elsewhere. Its newer West Coast services between London Euston and Stirling carry 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, which the operator describes as one of only a handful of such offerings on the UK rail network.
An autumn launch date has been confirmed, though Lumo has not yet detailed exactly when in the season passengers can expect Starlink to go live across the fleet.
