Starlink services are set to transform customer experiences on ScotRail trains traversing the Scottish Highlands. The pilot program, launched in collaboration with Clarus Networks, aims to bridge the digital divide in rural Scotland.

ScotRail has partnered with Clarus Networks to equip six class 158 trains with Starlink equipment for a six-month trial. The Starlink-enabled trains will operate routes from Inverness to Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen.

“This project marks a major step forward in closing the digital divide for rural rail routes. By harnessing the power of Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, we’re able to deliver fast, reliable connectivity in some of the most remote parts of the UK rail network.

“This approach helps overcome the coverage and performance limitations of traditional mobile networks – a challenge faced by rail operators globally,” noted Mike Butler, Clarus Networks’ Director of Rail & Innovation.

The Starlink x ScotRail train trial is backed by the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the Scottish Futures Trust. It addresses longstanding connectivity challenges in trains traveling through rural areas. Starlink internet is expected to deliver the benefits listed below to ScotRail customers.

These advancements align with the Scottish government’s push for better rural services, fostering community growth and resilience. Richard Lochhead MSP, Business Minister, emphasized that digital connectivity was a priority in the government’s recent Programme for Government, which supports Scotland’s economic resilience and equitable access to public services.

“As set out in last week’s Programme for Government, the Scottish government places great emphasis on digital connectivity. It supports Scotland’s economic resilience and helps everyone, regardless of location, to access improved public services and opportunities,” commented the Business Minister.

If successful, the trial could expand Starlink’s services across ScotRail’s remaining class 158 fleet. The remaining fleet covers additional rural routes like the West Highlands, Stranraer, Dumfries, and the Borders. The project may also influence the inclusion of satellite technology in future train procurements, setting a precedent for rail connectivity worldwide.

As Starlink services continue to expand worldwide, it underscores the potential of LEO technology to revolutionize rural transport. With strong governmental support and promising benefits, the initiative could redefine connectivity for Scotland’s remote communities, paving the way for broader adoption in the UK’s rail network.

SpaceX’s Starlink launch in India is advancing as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommends a five-year satellite spectrum allocation for commercial communication services. The move marks a pivotal step for Elon Musk’s plan to bring high-speed internet to the region.

TRAI’s proposal includes an option to extend the initial five-year spectrum allocation by two years, contingent on market dynamics. The telecom regulator also outlined a pricing structure, charging operators 4% of their adjusted gross revenue for geostationary orbit-based fixed and mobile satellite services. TRAI also set a minimum annual spectrum charge of 3,500 rupees ($41) per megahertz.

TRAI proposed an additional charge of 500 rupees (About $6.00) per subscriber annually in urban areas for non-geostationary orbit-based fixed satellite services. It exempted rural and remote regions from the same charge to boost accessibility. The recommendations align with Starlink’s push to launch services in India, following the Indian government’s conditional approval last week.

Elon Musk has advocated for longer spectrum allocation terms, urging New Delhi to allot spectrum for 20 years to focus on “affordable pricing and longer-term business plans,” as Starlink’s public submissions stated. However, TRAI opted for a shorter initial timeframe to monitor the sector’s growth, a decision influenced by earlier discussions reported Reuters.

Starlink’s market entry is bolstered by strategic partnerships. In March, Musk and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani signed a deal allowing Starlink devices to be sold in Ambani’s Reliance stores, leveraging a vast distribution network. The partnership followed a rivalry between the two billionaires.

Ambani’s telco subsidiary had lobbied for spectrum auctions to level the playing field in India’s broadband service market, a proposal Musk criticized for diverging from global practices. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel, India’s No. 2 telco, secured a distribution deal with Starlink and supported a three-to-five-year license period. Bharti Airtel announced a partnership with Starlink before it received conditional approval from the Indian government.

As Starlink navigates India’s regulatory landscape, TRAI’s recommendations signal a balanced approach to fostering satellite broadband growth. With partnerships and regulatory hurdles clearing, Musk’s vision for affordable, high-speed internet could transform connectivity in India’s urban and rural areas, positioning Starlink as a key player in the country’s telecom evolution.

The Tesla Semi looks to have its newest adoptee as US Foods, the second-largest foodservice distributor in the United States, was seen with its badging on the all-electric Class 8 truck.

US Foods trails only Sysco Corporation in terms of foodservice distributors by volume in the United States. The company joined several other massive food industry entities, such as PepsiCo, and its subsidiary, Frito-Lay, have both utilized the Tesla Semi in their fleets.

Tesla Semi futuristic sci-fi acceleration sound will never get old

The Semi in question was spotted by X user Zanegler, a prominent tracker of the Tesla Semi and its factory, which sits near the company’s Gigafactory Nevada plant in Reno:

**Breaking Tesla Semi News: US Foods branded Tesla semi seen near Giga Nevada**

The program continues to show positive momentum with multiple new customers receiving the clean air vehicles.

I believe this to be a training run with a with Tesla driver/instructor showing the US… pic.twitter.com/x3Nlw7H2c7

— Zanegler (@HinrichsZane) May 9, 2025

US Foods also has a distribution center in Reno, which could have something to do with its decision to start using the Semi in regional logistics.

With an influx of EV semitrucks hitting the market from many different manufacturers, it is evident that companies are taking the idea of making their fleets more environmentally friendly very seriously.

Tesla is still very close to unloading the Semi in a more volumized fashion, as the company’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, said in January:

“We just closed out the Semi factory roofing walls last week in Reno…but we’re prepping for mechanical installation of all the equipment in the coming months… The first builds of the high-volume Semi design come late this year in 2025 and begin ramping early in 2026.”

First Tesla Semi high-volume production builds expected this 2025

With the latest addition of US Foods, Tesla increases its list of companies that are planning or are already using the Semi to help with local logistics and transportation. Among them are:

• PepsiCo
• Walmart
• Sysco
• Costco
• Martin Brower
• Saia Inc.
• UPS
• Anheuser-Busch
• DHL

Many other companies have plans to use the Semi in their fleets. Currently, Tesla appears to be hand-picking those who have access to the vehicle as the pilot program continues.