Why Wi-Fi on planes and trains has always been so bad — and how a new technology could fix it

The Wi-Fi signal offered on buses, trains, ferries, and airplanes is often unreliable, with fluctuating signal strength that frequently fails to provide the stability needed for a consistent internet connection.

Because these services rely on cellular networks or satellite communications, high-speed internet access is affected by highly variable signal strength and limited coverage. This results in slower data speeds and frustrating service interruptions.

To address this issue, the UK government has announced plans to improve Wi-Fi service on its hundreds of intercity trains by adopting low Earth orbit satellite communication systems, commonly known as LEO satellites.

Officials are evaluating services offered by companies such as Starlink (owned by Elon Musk) and OneWeb (part of France's Eutelsat Group). Because these satellites orbit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, they provide near-global coverage and much faster communications.

LEO satellite technology is expected to become increasingly common across road, rail, maritime, and even air transportation. Companies providing these services say they will revolutionize onboard connectivity by delivering a much more stable internet experience.

How does onboard internet work today, and what will change?

Today's trains rely on 4G and 5G cellular coverage along their routes. In addition, the available bandwidth is shared among all passengers. As a result, connections often deteriorate in rural areas, tunnels, and other places with weak network coverage.

High-speed rail presents an even greater challenge. Maintaining a reliable internet connection is especially difficult when trains travel at average speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h), with some services in China reaching as much as 220 mph (354 km/h).

Low-latency networks vs. emerging LEO systems

Before turning to LEO satellites, one solution involved installing dedicated communication networks alongside railway tracks using advanced technologies capable of delivering ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, even at high speeds. However, these systems are expensive to build and maintain.

Companies developing LEO satellite systems say they can provide nearly global coverage without requiring costly rail-side infrastructure. Following successful trials, the UK government has announced a five-year rollout of LEO satellite connectivity across its rail network.

Internet service on airplanes

Lufthansa became the first commercial airline to introduce onboard internet service in 2003. Since then, the technology has expanded rapidly. Today, around 70% of airlines worldwide offer Wi-Fi service to passengers.

Traditional in-flight internet relies on either air-to-ground communications or satellite systems. Aircraft use antennas mounted underneath the fuselage to connect with networks of ground-based towers. As a result, coverage is limited and often inadequate on transoceanic routes.

LEO systems are coming to aviation too

LEO satellite internet is already delivering ultra-fast speeds exceeding 100 Mbps on some aircraft. One remaining challenge is that signals still travel thousands of miles, creating delays that continue to affect performance.

As the technology matures, artificial intelligence improves network management, and satellite capacity continues to expand, onboard Wi-Fi will increasingly support video streaming and cloud-based services with minimal interruptions.

Performance on buses and ferries

Internet availability on buses depends on mobile network coverage and capacity, often deteriorating in tunnels, rural areas, or when buses are crowded. Access to reliable free Wi-Fi on buses has actually declined in recent years.

Meanwhile, ferries and cruise ships depend on satellite communications. Historically, they have relied on low-bandwidth systems used primarily for navigation, safety, and crew communications, supported by geostationary satellites orbiting about 22,000 miles (35,000 km) above Earth.

LEO satellite technology has significantly improved connectivity for both road and maritime transportation. As with trains and airplanes, adoption is expected to continue accelerating. The prospect of uninterrupted internet coverage is quickly becoming a reality.