The information technology (IT) team of Lietuvos Geležinkėlių Group (LTG) is implementing a project aimed at evaluating the possibilities of improving the Internet connection in trains, the company reports.
Currently, when trains pass through forested and remote areas of Lithuania, the Internet connection works with disturbances. LTG's information technology team has already tested several solutions on the market, and soon in one of the passenger transport companies "LTG Link"Starlink satellite internet connection will also be started to be tested on the trains.
The three-month pilot project aims to evaluate the possibilities offered by the next generation Internet.
Wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) in trains is important both for the passengers who use it for their own needs, and for convenient payment for services with a payment card.
"I am happy that "Lithuanian railways" aims to innovatively solve a problem often raised by customers, which could not be overcome for so long in cooperation with traditional telecommunications companies. I hope that the satellite internet connection will work and all passengers will be able to be assured of an uninterrupted connection during all journeys", said the Minister of Transport Marius Skoudis.
The first contacts with the leading space company Space X, an initiative of the Ministry of Transport, took place in 2021. at the beginning Soon after that, Space X established its own branch in the country - Starlink Lithuania. They started operations in Lithuania already in 2021. at the end
According to the Minister of Communications, "Starlink" in Lithuania means wider opportunities for using Internet services and gives users the opportunity to choose. This example of "Lithuanian Railways" also shows this.
"We are looking to evaluate all the solutions on the market that could improve wireless internet services on trains when the trains pass through forested, sparsely populated areas where the internet connection works with interference." We want to be able to provide a stable, uninterrupted and fast connection throughout the journey. At the moment, we have already tested and evaluated several other solutions available on the market, and soon we will also start tests of satellite internet connection in trains", said Vytautas Bitinas, Technology Director of Lietuvos Geležinkeliai.
During the testing of the Starlink equipment, it will be evaluated whether it is possible to maintain a stable and fast Internet connection along the entire train route. It is expected that the satellite Internet will be automatically activated in those sections where the usual Internet connection is weakened, so both satellite and mobile communication technologies will be effectively used during the testing.
A three-month test of the Starlink equipment on one of the LTG Link trains is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year. A contract for the purchase of the necessary equipment and testing services has already been signed with the Belgian company "Venn Telecom", its value is 6864 euros.
"We are constantly developing solutions for train passengers that encourage them to choose more sustainable train journeys and improve their experience. When traveling by train, most customers want to be able to work continuously while traveling from one region of Lithuania to another, listen to music or podcasts, and watch movies.
Internet connection in trains is influenced by the number of passengers using the Internet, the geographical position of the train and the operator's towers near the route. This pilot project will help to assess how we could ensure a smooth Internet connection throughout the country, even in sections where such opportunities are lacking so far," said Linas Baužys, head of LTG Link.
LTG constantly cooperates with the country's mobile communication operators in order to offer better and better wireless Internet to customers traveling by train, and has also tested a communication amplifier on the train. However, in order to further strengthen the quality of Internet connection, it is important to look for additional innovations.
ELTA (ELTA)
