Historic Leap: Airtel Africa Successfully Tests High-Speed Satellite Internet on Moving Train

Airtel Africa has achieved a historic breakthrough for railway connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, successfully testing satellite internet on a moving train traveling across remote terrain. This pioneering trial proves that high-speed, uninterrupted internet access can now be delivered along crucial rail lines, transforming logistics and passenger experience across the continent.

The successful tests, conducted over a 669-kilometer stretch of forested and remote terrain, confirmed that satellite technology can deliver where traditional fibre optics and cell towers cannot reach.

LEO Satellites Deliver Uninterrupted Connectivity
The successful pilot was powered by Airtel Satellite for Business in partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

Key results from the test included:

Coverage: Successful connectivity was maintained across almost the entire journey, even as the train moved through dense forests.

Speed: The system delivered speeds up to 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads, which is sufficient for both train operations and passengers using multiple devices simultaneously.

Stability: The connection was reliable and remarkably stable, validating the use of LEO satellites for high-capacity internet in motion.

Redefining African Connectivity and Safety
This achievement goes beyond a mere technological milestone; it opens the door to major advances in railway safety, efficiency, and passenger service, setting a new standard for Airtel Satellite Internet Train Africa.

For railway operators, reliable internet enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and faster emergency response. For passengers, it promises on-board Wi-Fi, digital ticketing, real-time travel updates, and seamless streaming, transforming long, isolated journeys into connected and productive experiences.

Airtel is already planning to expand this service, extending its Airtel Satellite for Business offering across key markets including Nigeria, DRC, Zambia, Madagascar, and Gabon, demonstrating how satellite technology is redefining connectivity for the most remote parts of Africa—from mining sites to, now, moving trains.