United Kingdom rail operator Lumo is set to introduce “next-generation” Starlink Wi-Fi technology across its 100% electric East Coast Main Line trains for autumn 2026, a development the firm says marks a step forward in onboard connectivity for train passengers travelling between London King’s Cross, Stevenage, Newcastle, Morpeth, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow.
Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency satellite internet designed to deliver connectivity anywhere, from remote rural areas to dense urban environments, using Elon Musk’s SpaceX network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and reliable antennas.
The system will be fitted in partnership with train manufacturer Hitachi, integrated connectivity provider Icomera, and rolling stock lease provider Beacon Rail. Announcing the move, Lumo said in a press release: “The increased connectivity rollout reflects Lumo’s continued strong commitment to enhancing the onboard experience for both leisure and business customers.”
✨ Big news for our customers!
— Lumo (@LumoTravel) June 10, 2026
This Autumn, we’re rolling out next-generation Starlink Wi-Fi across our East Coast route, bringing faster, more reliable onboard connectivity from London to Edinburgh and beyond.
🚆 Stay connected for work, streaming and keeping in touch while… pic.twitter.com/HTsB2CqBYL
Lumo has provided 5G-enabled Wi-Fi available on its new West Coast services operating between London Euston and Stirling, one of the few offerings of its kind in the UK rail industry. The firm claimed the introduction of Starlink on their East Coast services further positions them ahead of other providers.
As noted by Paul Jackson, Lumo’s Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement, dependable Wi-Fi while on the move is increasingly important for customers choosing to travel by train. “Providing a high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi experience is vital for our customers,” Jackson said, adding: “We know people want to stay connected and work effectively while onboard. Reliable onboard Wi-Fi is increasingly important for customers choosing to travel by train, whether for work, entertainment or just staying connected with friends and family. Traditional trackside and mobile-based systems can be affected by coverage gaps and infrastructure limitations, particularly on long-distance intercity routes.”
Lumo also said in its statement that it intends to address those challenges “by delivering a more consistent, high-quality connection across the full route.” The firm highlighted that the advent of Starlink on its routes “represents a step change in digital connectivity on the East Coast Main Line, enabling customers to make better use of their time while travelling.”
Lumo has received industry recognition for its innovative use of technology, recently being shortlisted at the Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards for a bold new trial which saw digital screens at petrol stations display live Lumo train service information and ticket prices. The goal of the campaign was to encourage sustainable travel.
