Nomad Digital Won Connectivity Contract for Italo Trains
The technology firm will equip Italo's new German high-speed fleet with advanced 5G and satellite internet solutions.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Europe
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Nomad Digital has secured a contract to provide connectivity services for Italo's fleet of 26 new Siemens Velaro high-speed trains. This partnership supports Italo's planned expansion into the German rail market scheduled for 2028.
Why it matters
The deal marks a significant step in Italo's move to establish its brand in Germany, leveraging onboard technology to compete in a new rail landscape. Integrating hybrid cellular and satellite systems aims to provide passengers with reliable service on high-speed lines.
The agreement covers 26 Siemens Velaro train units, with Italo holding an option to purchase 14 additional trains. Connectivity will be delivered through a hybrid model combining cellular networks and Low Earth Orbit satellite technology.
The players
Nomad Digital
Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, the firm specializes in connectivity solutions for the transportation industry.
Italo
This private Italian rail operator provides high-speed services and is wholly owned by Italo Holding.
Siemens Mobility
A global leader in transport solutions, the company manufactures high-speed trains and provides related infrastructure services.
The details
Nomad Digital will implement its 5G Internet On Board and Nomad Engage portal across the German fleet to ensure consistent passenger connectivity. This contract follows a competitive tender process and builds on the company's previous work upgrading Italo's Italian fleet in 2024.
Timeline
Nomad Digital upgraded the existing Italian fleet in 2024.
Italo and Siemens Mobility signed a purchase agreement in July 2026.
Italo intends to launch its service in the German market in 2028.
Travel Outlook
The integration of advanced digital platforms into the Siemens Velaro high-speed train fleet reflects a trend toward standardized passenger experiences across international rail borders. This development follows a pattern where operators standardize on the Siemens platform while integrating specialized third-party digital services to maintain consistency.
Passengers traveling on the new German routes can expect improved onboard internet reliability through the implementation of hybrid satellite and cellular technology. These digital upgrades will standardize connectivity performance for travelers transitioning between different regions.
The takeaway
Reliable connectivity is becoming a core component of the modern high-speed rail experience for international travelers. Operators that invest in hybrid satellite-cellular infrastructure are better positioned to maintain passenger service quality during cross-border expansions.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving transportation sector, visit our Europe travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway-News.
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