France’s Railway: Choosing Sovereign Tech for Future Connectivity

FRANCE’S NATIONAL RAILWAY MUST DECIDE: WHO OWNS THE SIGNAL IN MOTION—AMERICA OR FRANCE?

France’s national railway operator stands at a crossroads. As transportation systems race to upgrade for digital speed and constant connectivity, the SNCF must now choose between control and dependency. High-speed internet is no longer optional on trains—and neither is national security. The recent Air France agreement with Starlink delivers performance, but signals a threat to sovereign infrastructure. France must now back its own technologies and take the lead in sovereign satellite connectivity.

The price of convenience is strategic risk

Satellite connectivity is fueling aviation, rail, and autonomous transit. While Starlink leads in speed, it remains an American platform, governed by foreign policy. This creates vulnerability for national systems. France has already committed billions to Eutelsat-OneWeb, and IRIS², the upcoming EU constellation, is designed to safeguard European data. It makes no sense for public operators like SNCF to bypass this by relying on foreign-controlled terminals. France needs every layer of the system to reflect sovereign satellite connectivity.

Greenerwave delivers a sovereign-ready alternative

Greenerwave, a deeptech company based in Paris, has created a multi-orbit passive antenna designed for mobility. Built to function in LEO, GEO, and next-gen constellations like IRIS², it uses up to ten times less energy, withstands extreme temperatures, and is entirely French-made. Unlike traditional systems, this antenna requires no active electronics and avoids foreign components. This is low-impact, energy-efficient, and built for sovereign satellite connectivity—today, not years from now.

Already deployed for national defense

The French military has already put its trust in Greenerwave. A recent €10M+ contract led by Airbus Defence and Space equips the military with satcom-on-the-move terminals to power secure mobile communications. These same systems are compatible with IRIS² and OneWeb, proving their adaptability. This military-grade tech is ready for civilian infrastructure like rail. If national defense is already aligned with sovereign satellite connectivity, so should SNCF.

Aviation innovation proves its scalability

In partnership with Safran Passenger Innovations, Greenerwave is now developing Ka-band terminals that can function across any constellation—delivering future-proof solutions for commercial aircraft. These terminals are smaller, cheaper, and consume far less power than legacy systems. Their design makes them ideal for railway applications, especially in environments where fiber connections drop. It’s a tested solution for the skies, and a smart path for the tracks.

The rail choice will define France’s future

This isn’t just about providing passengers with fast Wi-Fi. It’s about securing France’s digital future. By adopting homegrown tech, SNCF can align with national strategy, reduce foreign risk, and support domestic innovation. The antennas exist. The satellites are ready. And the mission is clear. It’s time for SNCF to help France lead in sovereign satellite connectivity.