Scope
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
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 1 January 2030
- 3 years, 7 months, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 32412000 - Communications network
- 32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment
- 32531000 - Satellite communications equipment
Engagement
Engagement deadline
15 September 2025
Engagement process description
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
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Department for Transport
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLTC-5358-LTWZ
Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
United Kingdom
Email: dftc.procurement@dft.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government