Ofcom Approves Internet Plans for Boat, Plane and Train Passengers

OfcomOfcom has given the green light for transport operators to offer superfast broadband, equivalent to at-home internet speeds, to their customers via satellite technology.

Ofcom is making a range of spectrum available for use by train, coaches boat and plane operators looking to offer a more reliable broadband experience to their customers. The service will be provided using earth stations, which can be mounted on moving vehicles and connected to satellites in order to provide broadband.

Land-based vehicles will be exempt from new licensing arrangements and a roll-out of earth stations can be excepted this summer, while aircraft and ships capable of crossing into different countries will have to apply for licences to offer such a service. They could start to be granted as early as next month.

Ofcom is working to make earth stations the global standard for mobile internet services.