Amtrak's RFP for satellite broadband solutions for WiFi

Found this RFP solicitation on the Amtrak Procurement Portal website (link). Don't know how serious it is. Satellite broadband connection for an entire train is going encounter bandwidth limits and likely won't be cheap. RFP responses are due on August 31.

In the Non Construction Business Opportunity category (excerpts):

RFP DOC672578 - For the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of a satellite broadband solution for passenger WI-Fi and operational applications aboard Amtrak trains.

RFP For the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of a satellite broadband technology solution.

Details
Amtrak is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of a satellite broadband technology solution that will provide high-capacity backhaul (the ‘Solution’) for passenger Wi-Fi and operational applications aboard Amtrak trains.

Click to expand...

That is all for content, the rest is procurement office contact info and deadline dates.

Passenger and operational smart move

There are capacity constraints when relying on 3G/4G too, particularly on the fringes of coverage. Although satellite systems have their own problems (rain fades, sun transit outages, etc) it will be a good solution for trains that run through countryside not illuminated by AT&T, Verizon, etc.