Brightline And SpaceX Team Up For Enhanced Rail Travel Experience In Florida

Brightline announced it is the first passenger rail service in the world to offer Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband service. The implementation of Starlink on board its trains is part of Brightline’s digital transformation, which focuses on a guest-first experience to elevate each traveler’s unique journey. Brightline chose to partner with Starlink, which is engineered and operated by SpaceX, to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability paired with cutting-edge technology that will set the stage for a better-connected passenger rail service worldwide.

Starlink’s internet connectivity is available on Brightline’s trains servicing South Florida between Miami and West Palm Beach. The service will soon include the new five-train fleet to service Orlando this summer – for ten trains between South and Central Florida. Starlink Internet is complimentary for all Brightline guests.

“Brightline will be the first train sets in the world to use the Starlink system. This really speaks to what we represent – an innovative passenger rail provider paving the way for high-speed rail in the US,” said Kevin T. McAuliffe, chief technology & digital innovation officer at Brightline. “Brightline is working with some of the best tech teams around the globe and our partnership with Starlink will elevate our brand to the stars.”

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users worldwide and is made possible via the world’s largest constellation of highly advanced satellites operating in a low orbit around the Earth. Its constellation of satellites orbits the planet at about 550km and covers the globe with significantly lower latency —around 25 ms vs 600+ ms. Traditional satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at 35,786 km with only one roundtrip signal to Earth per every 70 round trip signals by Starlink. As a result, Starlink can provide a seamless connection, making it possible to support everyday uses of WiFi, including streaming, online gaming, video calls, or other high data rate activities through even the most rural areas.

Starlink has already provided internet services to residences, businesses, and transportation providers in the aviation and marine industries, with Hawaiian Airlines, Royal Caribbean Group, and Carnival Corporation among its customers. Brightline will be its first venture into the railroad and passenger rail industry.

“As the first rail service in the world to adopt Starlink, Brightline continues to lead the way in the industry,” said SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales Jonathan Hofeller. “We’re excited to work with Brightline and provide Starlink to their entire fleet, which will enable all of Brightline’s passengers to access high-speed, low-latency internet that is critical in our modern age – whether you’re finishing up work during your commute, staying connected with friends and family, or simply streaming a movie.”

Brightline recently announced the unveiling of its Orlando Station, with ticket sales launching in May. Reaching top speeds of 125 mph, Brightline will open its Orlando Station this summer, connecting major city pairs, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami.