Stolen Starlink equipment puts train Wi-Fi in doubt

Just five months after the experimental launch of high-speed Starlink satellite internet on moving trains, expensive connectivity equipment and flat antennas have reportedly been stolen repeatedly from four intercity trains, raising concerns over the sustainability of the technology-driven Wi-Fi service.

The experimental Starlink internet connection was launched on moving trains in Bangladesh for the first time on March 13 this year. The initiative is being implemented under joint instructions from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, with Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) providing the main technical support.

In the initial phase, free Wi-Fi services were introduced for passengers on four popular intercity trains—Parjotak Express, Parabat Express, Upaban Express and Bonolota Express.

However, within a few months of the pilot launch, important Starlink connectivity equipment and flat antennas were reportedly stolen multiple times from the coaches and roofs of the trains. Some critical equipment was stolen from Upaban Express, while similar incidents were also reported on the other trains.

BSCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Imadur Rahman said some of the stolen equipment had been quickly replaced last month. However, as the number of theft incidents increased, the replacement initiative was suspended. BSCL is now working with the Ministry of Railways to develop a sustainable model for securing and operating the Starlink equipment.

Secretary of the Bangladesh Railways Ministry Md Fahimul Islam said the matter was brought to the attention of the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications by phone on September 1.

He said Starlink internet services had been launched experimentally on all four trains. He also informed the telecommunications secretary that some important equipment had been stolen from Upaban Express and that similar incidents had been reported on the other trains.

According to him, however, no effective response has so far been received from the relevant senior authorities after the matter was reported.

The initial usage data indicate strong passenger demand for the service. Passengers collectively used nearly 18 terabytes of data across the four trains. In particular, on long-distance routes where mobile networks are extremely weak or unavailable, satellite-based internet emerged as a reliable and effective alternative for passengers.

However, without adequate protection for high-value satellite terminals, antennas and other connectivity equipment installed on moving trains, maintaining the service on a sustainable basis could prove difficult. A coordinated framework covering equipment security, maintenance, responsibility and theft prevention will therefore be essential before the pilot can move to the next stage.
//DBTech/ NAP/SME MSI//