Satellite Broadband on Trains

UK regulator Ofcom has just made a new type of spectrum licence available that will allow broadband access on trains via a satellite link.

Some train operating companies already offer Wi-Fi access to customers which is delivered though a series of terminals located alongside the train tracks. This new type of licence will allow train operating companies to install so-called satellite earth stations on trains to provide broadband via satellite.

This could enable train operators to provide faster and more reliable mobile broadband connections for customers.

Hot spots on trains would allow services to be delivered direct to laptops or handheld devices from an on-board transmitter, enabling customers to download content and potentially use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) on the move.

The new type of licence is for use of the 14 - 14.25 GHz band where similar systems already operate on ships and aircraft. The licence is available on demand, under Ofcom's rules for licensing. Testing and trials of these products have been carried out in a number of European countries and more are planned in the near future.

Details of the new type of licence can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/
classes/satellite/procedure_manuals/ofw342.pdf

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