Czech Railways has begun testing high-speed satellite internet provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink network on its InterPanter trains in an attempt to improve onboard internet access for passengers across the country’s rail network.
The test phase will run for approximately three months, after which the state-owned company will assess the results and consider a broader rollout.
The announcement was made at a press conference on Tuesday by Transport Minister Martin Kupka. “We want Czech Railways to offer the best possible service for passengers. And I firmly believe that this is another step that will help it in the future,” Kupka said.
Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of Czech Railways, explained the motivation behind the project. “We believe that satellite internet can be the answer to the question of how to provide our passengers with a stable and fast internet connection even where there is no quality signal from mobile operators available in the vicinity of the line. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of such white spots on the domestic railway network,” he said.
“Thanks to it, we will have a faster internet connection during the journey. We can work on the train, watch videos, or play games — just as a mobile office should be,” he added on X.
České dráhy testují satelitní internet Starlink od SpaceX
Stabilní a rychlé připojení k internetu je dnes součástí základního cestovního komfortu. Právě proto jsme dnes zahájili pilotní testování satelitního internetu Starlink ve vlaku InterPanter. Jedná se o špičkovou… pic.twitter.com/Ku1TBON64Q
— Michal Krapinec (@MKrapinec) July 1, 2025
Passengers will be able to access the Starlink-powered internet for free via the ČD Wi-Fi network, with it expected to deliver speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second.
The trial will take place on routes such as the Svitava line between Brno, Česká Třebová, and Prague, and the Moravan line between Brno, Přerov, and Olomouc. The technology was installed on the roof of one of the train’s front cars and integrated into the existing onboard Wi-Fi and multimedia systems. It features a heated, weather-resistant antenna capable of functioning in extreme conditions.
Máme tu další novinku pro všechny cestující @ceskedrahy_: rychlejší internetové připojení.
Na vozech národního dopravce aktuálně testujeme nové satelitní připojení Starlink. Díky němu budeme mít rychlejší internetové připojení během cesty, až 1 000 MB za vteřinu. Můžeme tak… pic.twitter.com/jhtlO4G7VY
— Martin Kupka (@makupka) July 1, 2025
The project is being carried out in cooperation with Škoda Group, which managed the installation, along with AMiT Transportation, ČD-Telematika, and the Czech Telecommunication Office. These partners will evaluate key metrics such as stability, speed, and service quality, while also comparing Starlink’s performance with that of traditional mobile networks.
Czech Railways has already begun replacing outdated Wi-Fi routers across its fleet and is not alone in the push for better onboard internet. Other operators, such as Leo Express and RegioJet, are investing in 5G technology to enhance connectivity.
Starlink began implementation five years ago with the aim of delivering high-speed internet globally through a constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth. The system currently accounts for roughly 60 percent of the approximately 7,500 artificial satellites in orbit and is the only functioning high-speed satellite internet service available in Czechia.
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