Czech Railways ready to pilot Elon Musk's Starlink on trains this summer

National rail carrier Czech Railways (ČD) is in talks with billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX to install Starlink satellite internet aboard its trains, CEO Michal Krapinec said Monday during an interview with a Czech media program. Pilot operations are expected to launch by the end of the summer.

“We are looking for alternative technologies to make the service more pleasant for people,” Krapinec said. “Currently, Wi-Fi works based on an external signal. If there’s no signal outside, there’s no internet inside the train either,” he added. 

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet access, offering connectivity in areas where traditional coverage is limited or unavailable. It communicates with satellites in low Earth orbit, providing a connection that is closer and more stable than traditional geostationary satellites. 

According to Krapinec, the proposed system would allow passengers to surf the internet independently of external mobile networks, ensuring continuous online access during travel. “We are negotiating with Starlink to strengthen communication through a direct satellite connection,” he said.

Czech Railways expects to become one of the first rail carriers in Europe—and possibly the third worldwide—to pilot Starlink technology on its trains. Krapinec indicated that a Starlink antenna would be installed for trial use later this year, with costs estimated in the lower hundreds of thousands of Czech crowns.

“Each of the partners we approached sees it as an opportunity and only charges the bare minimum for the purchase of specific cables or technology,” Krapinec added.

Starlink's services are currently accessible throughout Czechia, with several subscription options. The Residential Plan, designed for fixed locations, offers unlimited data for approximately CZK 1,800 per month. Starlink's internet speeds in the Czech Republic typically range between 50 and 150 Mbps for downloads and 10 to 30 Mbps for uploads.

In addition to the Starlink initiative, Czech Railways is focusing on improving in-train Wi-Fi and mobile signal, particularly on its high-speed trains such as Pendolino and Railjet. As part of these efforts, the company aims to enhance the 5G network connectivity across its fleet.

SpaceX recently announced plans to further expand its satellite network using its Starship rocket, which could enhance the capabilities of Starlink services globally.