Bangladesh Launches Free Wi‑Fi Trial on Intercity Trains Ahead of Eid

The Government of Bangladesh has taken a major step toward modernizing rail travel by launching free Wi‑Fi trials on intercity trains ahead of the peak Eid travel season. This initiative, introduced as a pilot on key routes, represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand digital access, improve passenger experience, and deliver on promises outlined in national development plans.

On March 13, 2026, the government began testing free internet service on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar intercity train route, using Starlink satellite technology and advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems to deliver reliable connectivity to passengers in motion.

This initiative marks a first in Bangladesh’s transportation sector and supports the government’s broader vision of expanding free internet access at public venues, transit hubs, and high‑traffic routes across the country.

A Landmark Move For Passenger Comfort and Digital Access

The decision to pilot free Wi‑Fi services on intercity trains aligns with national ambitions to enhance digital connectivity nationwide. According to Rehan Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on ICT and Telecommunications, the pilot was conducted on one of the country’s busiest railway corridors. He confirmed that this initiative follows a directive from the Prime Minister to expand free public Wi‑Fi services in strategic locations before Eid, a period that sees millions of Bangladeshis traveling to reunite with families.

The trial used Starlink satellite internet, provided through the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), a Starlink partner authorised in Bangladesh and connected onboard Wi‑Fi hardware using next‑generation Power over Ethernet technology to provide both power and data over a single cable.

Initial tests recorded strong performance. Independent assessments during the train journey reported download speeds of roughly 8 Mbps to 88 Mbps, upload speeds between 13 Mbps and 47 Mbps, and latency as low as 23 milliseconds to 47 milliseconds. A separate test using Starlink’s own tools recorded peak performance near 136 Mbps download and 31 Mbps upload, reflecting the potential for even higher throughput.

Reliable internet connectivity on moving trains has long been a challenge globally due to fluctuating network signals and physical motion. Bangladesh’s successful trial demonstrates that satellite‑based internet can bridge connectivity gaps even at high speeds.

Expanding Connectivity Across Bangladesh

Officials have confirmed that the free Wi‑Fi trial will soon be extended to other major intercity rail routes, including:

• Dhaka–Rajshahi
• Dhaka–Sylhet
• Dhaka–Khulna

These expansions aim to cover more long‑distance passengers during the Eid rush and beyond.

By enhancing digital access on trains, the government is responding to changing expectations among commuters who increasingly rely on internet connectivity for communication, entertainment, work, and information on the move.

Furthermore, this initiative ties into a larger government plan to install free Wi‑Fi services at major airports, railway stations, and high‑speed transport corridors nationwide. Posts and Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) officials have reaffirmed this commitment, stating that expansion to all airports and stations is underway and aligned with broader digital infrastructure upgrades.

Why Free Wi‑Fi Matters for Train Travel

Rail travel remains one of Bangladesh’s most popular means of long‑distance transportation, especially during festive seasons like Eid ul‑Fitr and Eid ul‑Azha, when millions journey home to be with family and loved ones. Traditionally, many passengers travel with little to no access to reliable mobile data, particularly in rural or remote regions where cellular networks may be weak.

By offering free Wi‑Fi, the government aims to:

• Improve travel comfort and convenience
• Allow passengers to stay connected with family and friends
• Enable remote work and mobile communication during journeys
• Support digital services such as online ticketing and travel information
• Promote digital inclusion in public infrastructure

For many commuters, reliable internet access transforms long journeys which can sometimes exceed several hours into productive or enjoyable experiences.

Supporting Broader Digital Goals

The Wi‑Fi trial dovetails with the government’s ongoing push to enhance digital infrastructure across Bangladesh. The initiative reflects commitments made in the government’s election manifesto to expand internet access at public locations and transit points.

Expanding connectivity through free Wi‑Fi also supports broader national priorities such as:

• Digital inclusion — ensuring that citizens, regardless of income or location, can access the internet
• Tech sector growth — creating new opportunities in the ICT sector and promoting digitisation
• Smart transportation development — moving toward a modern, digitally enabled public transit network

The Connectivity Vision currently includes plans to build free internet access at airports, major city hubs, universities, and educational institutions, bridging gaps in digital access and opportunity.

What Passengers Can Expect

During the trial period, passengers on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route  one of the busiest intercity rail lines are already benefiting from the free service. Once onboard, users can connect simply by scanning a QR code provided by the Wi‑Fi network, making the process seamless and user‑friendly.

Early operations have also introduced the free service on three trains: Parjatak Express, Upaban Express, and Bonolota Express, expanding options for travelers on multiple routes.

Railway officials and ICT advisers have indicated that the service will be refined based on passenger feedback and connection performance before wider rollout, ensuring stability and consistency in connectivity.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Providing uninterrupted internet service on moving trains presents unique technical challenges, including signal handoff between satellites and terrain interference. Starlink’s satellite network helps address these issues by ensuring widespread coverage and reduced reliance on ground‑based cellular networks.

Expanding connectivity further down the line will likely involve additional infrastructure investments, partnerships with technology providers, and continued testing across different routes.

Nonetheless, this trial marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of public transport services in Bangladesh, signaling a shift toward a more connected, modern travel experience.

Looking Beyond Eid Travel

While the initial rollout targets Eid travel, officials say the long‑term vision extends well beyond festive seasons. Future plans include:

• Deployment of free Wi‑Fi at all major railway stations, enhancing connectivity before and after journeys
• Installation at airports, allowing passengers seamless internet access across multiple transport networks
• Integration with smart transportation applications and digital services to improve passenger experience

Such measures align with larger digital transformation goals positioning Bangladesh as a forward‑looking nation ready to embrace the digital era in its public services.

The government’s free Starlink WiFi trial on intercity trains represents a forward‑thinking approach to public transportation and digital inclusion in Bangladesh. By bringing connectivity to busy long‑distance routes just ahead of Eid travel, the initiative not only enhances passenger comfort but also reflects the country’s commitment to modern digital infrastructure.

As the service expands to additional routes, stations, and transit hubs, millions of travelers may soon enjoy seamless internet connectivity throughout their journeys empowering communication, productivity, and access to digital resources on the move.