Transport for NSW said the station was chosen because it was previously a cellular blackspot.

Feedback has been positive, claimed NSW TrainLink customer environment manager Vernon Buckle.

“Having free Wi-Fi allows passengers and guests to catch up on work or the news and stay in touch with friends and family,” Buckle said.

“We will use this information to understand how passengers use this technology and to adjust and improve future passenger service offerings.”

Transport for NSW infrastructure and integration manager Robert Bainton said the aim of the trial is to provide connectivity service to passengers.

Starlink’s ability to access the world’s largest and first satellite constellation and integrate it with a wireless access point router is key to how this system operates.

“The technology has enabled us to deliver fit for purpose and safe access to high-speed internet for customers at Nambucca Heads station. We will use it as a proof of concept to see if the technology might have other applications across the network,” Bainton said.

The Nambucca Station trial was the result of collaboration between Transport for NSW and the NSW Telco Authority.

According to reports, the authority has been exploring cases of LEO satellite services since August 2022 as possible extension to its P25 radio technology.

During the three-month trial period, Transport for NSW will be actively monitoring the service and will work on troubleshooting if any technical or performance issues arise.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 09 August 2023.