Bangladesh has begun testing Starlink satellite internet on moving passenger trains, marking the country’s first trial of satellite-based broadband for rail travel. The project is being overseen by Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) in collaboration with Bangladesh Railway.
The trial started on March 13 and currently operates on three intercity routes: Parjatak Express, Upaban Express, and Bonolota Express, connecting major cities across the country. Passengers on these trains can access free onboard Wi-Fi during the test phase.
The system uses Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network, developed by SpaceX, to deliver high-speed internet connectivity. Authorities are evaluating how the technology performs on fast-moving trains, particularly in rural areas where traditional mobile networks often struggle to maintain stable connections.
Passengers can connect to the onboard network by scanning a QR code inside train coaches, according to government telecommunications adviser Rehan Asif Asad. The pilot programme will help determine technical performance before any broader national deployment.
BSCL Managing Director Imadur Rahman said satellite connectivity on trains could significantly improve passenger services and support the modernization of Bangladesh’s rail network.
If the trial proves successful, authorities plan to expand satellite-based internet to additional intercity routes. The initiative is part of a wider government effort to strengthen digital infrastructure, which also includes introducing free Wi-Fi at airports and railway stations across the country.
