Passenger WiFi on Trans-Gabon rail network

The Trans‑Gabon Railway is single‑track with passing loops, so capacity is limited by how many trains can safely meet and pass on their way between the seaport of Owendo and the eastern terminus at Franceville. Each year, the railway carries an estimated quarter of a million passengers as well as freight. As part of its structured national digital strategy, the Gabonese Government has set out to improve telecoms and network access across the country—including passenger WiFi for rail and public transport. The challenge for rail operator SETRAG was substantial:

• Difficult terrain: including long distances through dense equatorial forest and waterlogged embankments beyond the reach of terrestrial networks
• Lack of terrestrial coverage: No viable ground-based infrastructure across much of the railway corridor
• Passenger expectations: Growing demand for reliable broadband on trains travelling at speeds up to 100 km/hr

The Need: Reliable Broadband for SETRAG's Rail Operations

The Trans-Gabon Railway runs between the coast and the interior to ferry passengers and millions of tonnes of freight—including manganese ore and timber each year. SETRAG's connectivity requirements included consistent broadband for passengers as well as for operational data backhaul that would support train control systems and real-time asset tracking. The connectivity needed to be easily scalable to support strategic growth in rail traffic and expansion of digital services. SETRAG's connectivity requirements also included the need for an easily scalable network that would support growing demand as rail traffic and digital services expand.

The Solution: LEO Connectivity in Partnership with Airtel Gabon

Eutelsat partnered with established national telecommunications service provider Airtel Gabon to supply LEO connectivity for SERTRAG to deliver reliable, high-speed broadband across 650 km of track. Following successful testing in the first phase, the deployment achieved 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds and was then implemented as part of the Gabonese Government’s national initiative.

Key deployment highlights:

• LEO satellite terminals installed onboard passenger trains
• Partnership with Airtel Gabon to deliver managed passenger WiFi services
• Integrating LEO connectivity into Gabon's digital infrastructure for nationwide modernisation programmes including public transport

Reliable broadband performance was achieved onboard train travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/hr. Eutelsat’s rail connectivity solutions connect rolling stock on the move beyond the range of terrestrial network coverage.

The Impact: Transforming the Trans-Gabon Railway Experience

This deployment delivered a rail connectivity solution for communications beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, with meaningful outcomes for Gabon’s rail ecosystem and passengers, including improved customer experience on long-distance journeys, and improved rail operations with better coordination. It also offers new opportunities for rail travel across the wider region. 

For more information on Eutelsat's connectivity projects and partnerships, visit the Eutelsat Media Centre.

Does Gabon have internet access across its rail network?

Terrestrial internet coverage in Gabon remains limited in rural and forested areas, which is why Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity was deployed on the Trans-Gabon Railway. The project represents a collaboration with SETRAG and Airtel Gabon to deliver broadband services on passenger trains travelling through 650 km of challenging terrain where ground infrastructure is sparse or non-existent. This deployment forms part of a national initiative supporting the government's vision for digital transformation across the country. By extending LEO connectivity to rail transport, the project enables reliable broadband along long-distance routes that would otherwise remain beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, modernising the railway experience and integrating digital services into public transportation.

Do trains interfere with Wi-Fi connectivity?

Rail environments present unique connectivity challenges: metal carriage structures can block signals, high speeds create handover complexity, and remote corridors often lack terrestrial infrastructure entirely. However, Eutelsat's LEO satellite backhaul overcomes these obstacles by providing consistent coverage independent of ground networks. The technical performance achieved on the Trans-Gabon Railway—100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload—demonstrates that LEO connectivity can deliver enterprise-grade speeds even in motion across forested, rural terrain. Unlike terrestrial systems that require frequent cell-tower handovers and suffer from coverage gaps, the LEO constellation maintains a stable link by dynamically managing satellite handovers at altitude, ensuring passenger comfort and uninterrupted service throughout the journey.

Is your data safe using Wi-Fi on a train?

Onboard Wi-Fi on the Trans-Gabon Railway is delivered through enterprise-grade connectivity with secure network architecture, ensuring passenger data and operational systems are appropriately protected. The solution supports both passenger Wi-Fi and critical train control systems, with security measures built into the satellite backhaul and onboard network design. Eutelsat's approach to reliable, secure connectivity for transport prioritises multi-layered security and interoperability with existing infrastructure, providing peace of mind for both passengers and operators. By combining low-latency LEO technology with secure network management, satellite-enabled WiFi can meet the same security standards expected in fixed enterprise environments, making it practical for passengers to use throughout their journey.