Finance
Italian rail operator Italo picks Starlink for satellite internet on trains
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 12, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 12, 2026
Quick Summary
Italo partners with Starlink to provide satellite internet on trains, aiming for completion by 2027, enhancing passenger connectivity.
Italo Partners with Starlink to Enhance Internet Connectivity on Trains
Italo's Innovative Internet Solution
MILAN, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Italian high‑speed rail operator Italo said on Thursday it would introduce SpaceX's Starlink system across its fleet, becoming the world's first major train company to rely on the low‑Earth‑orbit satellite connectivity service.
Testing and Implementation Timeline
Elon Musk's Starlink has been expanding rapidly among airlines seeking to guarantee Internet access for passengers, and other rail operators are also testing the system but have not yet committed to adopting it.
Comparative Trials by Other Rail Operators
Italy's state railway Ferrovie dello Stato ran a two-week trial last year with two providers, including Starlink.
Scotland's ScotRail also carried out a six-week Starlink trial in 2025 and France's state-owned rail company SNCF said it was considering combining terrestrial networks with low Earth-orbit satellite solutions.
Italo said its decision followed nearly a year of testing, and the roll out, to be completed by 2027, aims to provide passengers with stable, high‑speed connectivity for streaming, video calls and work on board.
(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi, editing by Gavin Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Italo partners with SpaceX's Starlink for internet on trains.
- •First major train company to use low-Earth-orbit satellite service.
- •Testing and implementation to be completed by 2027.
- •Other rail operators are testing Starlink but not committed yet.
- •Aims to provide stable, high-speed connectivity for passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian rail operator Italo picks Starlink for satellite internet on trains
1What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX to provide satellite internet access globally, especially in underserved areas.
2What is low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity?
Low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity refers to internet service provided by satellites that orbit the Earth at lower altitudes, resulting in reduced latency and faster speeds.
3What is high-speed rail?
High-speed rail refers to trains that operate significantly faster than traditional rail services, typically exceeding speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h) on dedicated tracks.
4What are rail operators?
Rail operators are companies or organizations that manage and operate train services, including passenger and freight transportation.
5What is internet connectivity?
Internet connectivity is the ability to access the internet through various means, such as broadband, fiber-optic, or satellite connections.
