Eutelsat has announced the rollout of its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services on Gabon’s trains, following successful trial phases, in partnership with Airtel Gabon.
The initiative is part of a national program led by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation, together with the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, and involves close collaboration with the Transgabon Railway Operating Company (SETRAG). This project aims to provide reliable onboard broadband access, transforming the travel experience for passengers by enabling internet for work, communication, and entertainment during long-distance journeys through remote regions where terrestrial networks are often limited or absent.
Philippe Baudrier, vice president for Africa at Eutelsat, highlighted the immediate practical benefits of the initiative for Gabonese travelers. He noted that reliable onboard internet will facilitate connectivity in remote terrain and support the country’s broader digital transformation goals, emphasizing that the deployment will modernize public transport infrastructure and improve passenger comfort.
The Transgabon Railway plays a crucial role in connecting inland regions to the capital, Libreville, and the port city of Owendo, carrying approximately 300,000 passengers annually. Baudrier stated that enabling dependable broadband services on these trains aligns with Eutelsat’s commitment to supporting national digital initiatives across Africa.
Airtel Gabon’s managing director, Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, added that the project extends beyond mere connectivity. It is part of the country’s wider digital transformation agenda, supporting onboard services that enhance passenger experience and integrating digital solutions into Gabon’s rail network through collaboration with the government, Eutelsat, and partners like SETRAG.
This deployment also underscores Eutelsat’s broader expansion strategy across Africa’s low Earth orbit satellite network. It follows a separate multi-year agreement signed in November 2025 with Paratus Group to extend OneWeb connectivity across South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, as part of a coordinated effort to bridge the digital divide in transport networks and public services throughout the continent.
