ČD will extend testing of Starlink satellite internet on long-distance trains across winter, becoming the first operator in the Czech Republic to trial the system in real operating conditions during harsh weather months.
The pilot currently runs on Brno–Česká Třebová–Prague and Brno–Břeclav–Přerov–Olomouc routes, where passengers can already encounter a so-called “satellite train”. The decision to keep the system active aims to verify performance during snowfall, icing and low temperatures, including antenna behaviour on the train roof.
"Starlink is one of the possible ways to improve Wi-Fi availability on our trains," said Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of ČD. "To take testing seriously, we are continuing into winter to observe behaviour during snow and icing. The terminal remains free and data cost is roughly one-third compared with mobile operators, which is an important factor for future decisions," he added.
So far, passengers have used over 5 TB of data via Starlink.
The system is installed on one driving car of an InterPanter EMU, integrated into the existing onboard Wi-Fi and multimedia system. ČD emphasised that Starlink is used solely for passenger connectivity and does not interact with train control or safety systems.
Starlink uses a network of low-Earth-orbit satellites designed by SpaceX to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity. For rail, the equipment meets EN 50155 and other railway standards, according to ČD.
If winter testing confirms reliability and favourable economics, the solution could be rolled out more widely across the ČD fleet.
