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Transport for NSW is conducting a trial of free Wi-Fi at Nambucca Heads station, utilizing SpaceX Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet connectivity. This decision to use LEO satellite service was made due to the station’s location being in a cellular blackspot.

The free Wi-Fi service is available for 60 minutes per day, per user. Feedback from rail users has been positive so far, according to Vernon Buckle, the customer environment manager at NSW TrainLink. This feedback will be used to better understand how passengers are utilizing this technology and to enhance future passenger service offerings. It is hoped that by providing reliable digital connectivity, the overall passenger experience can be improved, especially for those who have to endure long wait times between connections at regional locations.

Transport for NSW’s Infrastructure and Integration Manager, Robert Bainton, sees this trial as a proof-of-concept to explore potential applications of the technology across the network. The NSW Telco Authority has collaborated with Transport for NSW to facilitate this three-month trial. They have been investigating LEO satellite services as a possible extension to their P25 trunked radio technology as part of their next generation digital connectivity project.

During the trial period, Transport for NSW will actively monitor the service and promptly address any technical or performance issues that may arise. It is worth noting that Starlink’s ground network in Australia is maintained by Vocus, with 16 LEO stations already deployed.

Overall, the trial of free Wi-Fi through SpaceX Starlink satellites at Nambucca Heads station is an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of digital connectivity for rail users in areas where traditional cellular networks are limited.

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