Planning

Low Earth Orbit Satellite Train Connectivity

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 Aug 2025 at 15:20

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

19 Aug 2025 at 15:17

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Transport is in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "Low Earth Orbit Satellite Train Connectivity," aimed at enhancing on-train WiFi for rail passengers by 2030. This project, situated in the United Kingdom with a focus on communications networks and satellite-related equipment, is part of the outcomes of the Spending Review 2025. The procurement seeks to upgrade current onboard WiFi systems by integrating low earth orbit satellite connectivity, significantly boosting internet speeds. Interested suppliers have until 15th September 2025 to submit confidential responses during the market engagement phase, which will be used to inform the Department's procurement strategy.

This procurement presents substantial business opportunities, especially for companies specialising in communications networks and satellite technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to partake, as the project is open to diverse stakeholders. Participation in this tender process could lead to valuable partnerships and increased visibility in the transportation and technology sectors, offering a chance for companies to contribute to a nationwide infrastructure upgrade, thereby fuelling growth and innovation. Businesses that are adept at providing state-of-the-art connectivity solutions would be well-positioned to compete for this contract.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Low Earth Orbit Satellite Train Connectivity

Notice Description

The Department for Transport secured funding as part of Spending Review 2025 to improve the provision of on-train wifi for rail passengers. Our objective is to retro-fit the majority of Great British Railway train operators' mainlines trains by 2030. We intend to upgrade the existing in-carriage on-train wifi equipment to the latest standards, provide low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity to enhance the existing mobile network operator connections, and hence deliver a more generally available higher speed internet connection for wifi-connected rail passengers. To meet our objectives and timescales, we are developing our procurement and delivery strategies. To help shape our approach we are now seeking engagement with interested parties in the value chain including suppliers and stakeholders. Details of this requirement, such as a firm value approach to procuring and competition timelines are unknown at this stage and will be informed by the outcome of this engagement exercise. For further details of this requirement and how to engage with the Department, please follow this link to the Department's e-sourcing platform https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/889244250198C2E6A8E3. If you are not already registered on the Department's e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can do so here https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html

Planning Information

Our intent is to undertake a two-part market engagement consisting of: An initial request for confidential responses from value chain suppliers to our five questions submitted in writing; and Potential follow up one-to-one conversations with the Department to discuss responses in further detail. The deadline for initial written responses to our questions is 15/09/2025. Follow up one-to-ones will continue after this date. The collated information will be used to inform the Department's procurement strategy and approach to delivering the government's objectives. Our intention is to not publish Supplier responses, nor a collated summary. Suppliers responses to this exercise will have no impact on any future competitions for this work. We may undertake further engagement throughout the process as we develop our procurement strategy and approach to delivering this requirement further. For full information on the requirement and details of the questions we are requesting initial responses to, please follow this link https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/889244250198C2E6A8E3. If you are not already registered on the Department’s e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can do so here https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058ac3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/049936-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

CPV Codes

32412000 - Communications network

32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment

32531000 - Satellite communications equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 1 Jan 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
dftc.procurement@dft.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DR
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Vincent Square
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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