Riding the Rails: SpaceX's Starlink Coming to Trains for First Time
SpaceX's Starlink is already available for RVs, boats, and planes. But now the satellite internet is coming to trains.
Florida-based train service Brightline today announced(Opens in a new window) it’s the first passenger rail service to adopt Starlink. The high-speed internet access will be complimentary for all passengers.
The satellite internet service will first be available on five trains running between Miami and West Palm Beach. It will then come to five more trains on the Orlando route this summer.
“As the first rail service in the world to adopt Starlink, Brightline continues to lead the way in the industry,” says SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales Jonathan Hofeller. “We’re excited to work with Brightline and provide Starlink to their entire fleet.”
Brightline already offers free Wi-Fi at its stations and onboard the trains, and according to some reviews(Opens in a new window), that coverage is already good. However, the Starlink connectivity promises to improve download speeds to 50Mbps or higher while maintaining low latency.
For Brightline, this means passengers will be able to stream TV shows, game online, and hold video calls while on its trains. Tickets between Miami and West Palm Beach start at $15.
Outside trains, SpaceX has also struck deals to bring Starlink to cruise liners and commercial planes. For example, jet operator JSX recently completed outfitting all the company’s planes with Starlink dishes, enabling them to receive high-speed internet while in the sky.
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