Gabon is set to revolutionize its public transport system with the introduction of high-speed satellite internet on passenger trains, a move aimed at modernizing rail services and bridging long-standing connectivity gaps along critical transport corridors.
Eutelsat has confirmed the deployment of its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity services on Gabon’s passenger trains through a strategic partnership with Airtel Gabon, following successful trial runs.
This rollout forms part of a broader national digital transformation program spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation and the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, in collaboration with the Transgabon Railway Operating Company (SETRAG).
Philippe Baudrier, Vice President for Africa at Eutelsat, described the initiative as a “digital leap” for Gabonese passengers, delivering practical benefits for long-distance travelers.
He emphasized:
Reliable onboard broadband will enable internet access for work, communication, and entertainment across routes that traverse remote areas where terrestrial networks are limited or non-existent.
The Transgabon Railway is a vital transport artery, carrying approximately 300,000 passengers annually, linking inland regions to Libreville and the port city of Owendo.
Baudrier added:
By enabling reliable broadband services on passenger trains, we are contributing to the modernization of public transport infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for rail passengers in Gabon. This deployment with Airtel Gabon reflects our commitment to extending the benefits of OneWeb LEO connectivity in support of national digital initiatives.
Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, Managing Director of Airtel Gabon, highlighted that the project goes beyond connectivity:
Working with Eutelsat, the government, and partners such as SETRAG, we are supporting onboard services that enhance passenger comfort and integrate digital solutions into Gabon’s rail network.
The Gabon rail deployment underscores Eutelsat’s wider LEO expansion strategy across Africa. It follows a 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 across transport networks and public services on the continent.
