Satellite internet passes test on Polish Pendolino trains, most passengers rate it above standard Wi-Fi

In brief

• PKP Intercity is testing satellite internet on a Pendolino train, with real passengers taking part since last week.
• Most survey respondents, 85%, said they would use the service again, and 61% of prior Wi-Fi users rated it better.
• If trials succeed, receivers would be installed on all Pendolino trains during 2028–2029 overhauls.

Early results from passengers

PKP Intercity has been testing satellite internet on Pendolino ED250-007 since last week, with real passengers taking part. After each trip, travelers can fill in a short survey about the quality of the new connection. The carrier reports that first results are encouraging and that the service has been stable so far (PKP Intercity po tygodniu testów internetu satelitarnego: pierwsze opinie pasażerów - pozytywne – msn.com) (Internet satelitarny zdaje egzamin w pociągach. Bardzo dobre oceny pasażerów – Bankier.pl).

According to the survey, 85% of participants said they would like to use the service again (RMF24：85%的测试参与者希望再次在Pendolino上使用互联网 – ua.news) (Dobry internet w części pociągów PKP. Znamy możliwą datę – RMF24). Three out of four respondents said logging in and connecting caused them no difficulty.

How it compares with current Wi-Fi

• Passengers who had used the standard Wi-Fi on PKP Intercity trains: 61% rated satellite internet as the better solution.
• Respondents who said they could work during a Pendolino journey with such a connection: 67%.
• Participants who would use the service again: 85%.

Where the signal will work

The satellite connection works where the train has a clear view of the sky. In tunnels and under station canopies, the service will rely on LTE and 5G mobile networks instead (Internet satelitarny w Pendolino. Większość pasażerów woli go od zwykłego Wi-Fi – portalsamorzadowy.pl).

What comes next

If the trials succeed, the carrier plans to fit satellite internet receivers on all Pendolino trains during overhauls scheduled for 2028 and 2029. PKP Intercity is also considering the technology for its High Speed trains in the future.