Eutelsat OneWeb, Icomera, and CGI to Test Hybrid Satellite and 5G Connectivity for Rail

Eutelsat OneWeb, the global satellite communications company, has announced a partnership with Icomera, a provider of integrated connectivity solutions for public transport networks, and CGI, an IT and business services company, to test the integration of satellite communications and mobile 5G networks across the rail network as part of Project Sodor.

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Hybrid Connectivity Trials

The project, partly funded by the European Space Agency, will trial the use of both existing terrestrial 5G networks and the OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network to provide operational and passenger connectivity across the rail network. Initial trials took place at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in late October, using a Kymeta U8 user terminal installed on a rolling testbed.

Future of Rail Transport

According to Eutelsat OneWeb, global rail passenger numbers have dropped by approximately 80 percent. Now, the provision of seamless and reliable connectivity is considered a crucial factor in enticing passengers back. OneWeb further stated that the future of rail transport critically depends on operators leveraging advanced communication systems to enhance safety, increase automation, reduce operating costs, and improve the passenger experience.

Also Read: Eutelsat Completes Merger With OneWeb to Form Eutelsat Group

Hybrid Network Solution

OneWeb stated that achieving consistent, resilient, and affordable connectivity across rail networks requires a mix of technologies, seamlessly integrating Low Earth Orbit satellite communications and existing mobile 5G networks. This hybrid network is expected to support diverse use cases cost-effectively from a common infrastructure.