Westbahn Chooses Freeeway for Onboard Mobile Connectivity Across Europe

Vienna, Austria. 18.02.2026. Freeeway, a European MVNO focused on IoT and mobility connectivity, announced that Westbahn has deployed Freeeway’s EU-wide connectivity platform to support passenger Wi-Fi and critical onboard systems across its growing international rail network. The implementation replaces a fragmented, country-by-country mobile connectivity model with a unified, roaming-ready architecture designed for high data throughput and operational scalability. Connectivity will roll out starting with selected trains in early 2026, with plans to extend it to the full fleet by next year.

Westbahn’s previous connectivity setup relied on separate mobile network operator (MNO) agreements in each country. This resulted in multiple contracts, non-shared national data bundles, and different technical integrations per market. Cross-border operations required geo-fenced SIM switching at national borders — a process that introduced operational complexity and limited scalability as route networks grew.

Freeeway’s solution introduces a single EU-wide connectivity layer built on multi-network SIM technology. SIMs are configured with dynamic network priority lists, allowing onboard routers and systems to attach to the strongest available network — including pre-registering on the next country’s network before a train fully crosses the border. This architecture removes the need for physical or geo-triggered SIM swaps while improving session continuity and service resiliency for real-time applications.

Westbahn now operates under one commercial agreement, one technical platform, and a centralized support structure for all onboard connectivity. The deployment supports very high aggregated data consumption — after full implementation, exceeding 100 TB per month — making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive passenger Wi-Fi as well as operational systems such as diagnostics, monitoring, and onboard service platforms.

"Rail operators are under pressure to deliver consistent digital services while managing increasing technical and commercial complexity across borders,” said Harald Fuchs, CEO of Freeeway. “Our pan-European MVNO platform gives Westbahn a single, scalable connectivity architecture that is optimized for mobility use cases, high data volumes, and resilient multi-network operation."

From an operational standpoint, the unified platform reduces time-to-market for new routes, simplifies lifecycle management of SIM assets, and enables centralized monitoring and control. It also enhances security for onboard connectivity through a consistent network design and managed infrastructure layer spanning multiple countries.

"We needed a connectivity model that could scale with our international growth without multiplying contracts, integrations, and operational overhead,” said Christian Pettauer, CIO at Westbahn. “Freeeway’s EU-wide platform gives us a technically consistent and commercially streamlined foundation for onboard connectivity, ensuring reliable performance for passengers while keeping our backend operations manageable."

The project reflects a broader shift in Europe toward consolidated, cross-border connectivity frameworks. As cross-border travel and passenger expectations grow, onboard connectivity is increasingly treated as a foundational layer that should work consistently across networks and borders. Freeeway and Westbahn’s deployment shows what a unified commercial and technical model can look like in practice.

About Westbahn

Westbahn is a private railway operator based in Austria, providing high-quality long-distance passenger rail services across key European corridors. The company focuses on delivering a modern travel experience that combines comfort, digital services, and competitive pricing. As its network expands internationally, Westbahn continues to invest in onboard technology to enhance passenger connectivity and operational efficiency. Reliable Wi-Fi and connected onboard systems are core to its service strategy and customer experience. Through innovation and cross-border growth, Westbahn is helping shape the future of passenger rail in Europe.

Contact person:

Mag. Ademir Jatic – Communication Expert | [email protected]

About Freeeway

Freeeway is an award-winning IoT connectivity and SaaS provider delivering affordable, reliable global IoT SIM and eSIM solutions across 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT networks. The company connects every layer of the IoT ecosystem — from sensors and gateways to routers, platforms, and enterprise systems — using multi-network cellular technologies optimized for different power, bandwidth, and coverage needs. Building on the evolution of M2M communications, Freeeway enables secure, scalable connectivity for millions of devices worldwide.

Contact person:

Kasia Gerlée – Senior Marketing Manager | [email protected]