News

SNCF Signs Major Multi-Year Internet On-Board Deal with Nomad Digital

(07 Jul 2023, BWCS Staff)
UK-based transport connectivity specialist Nomad Digital, reports that it has been signed by SNCF Voyageurs to upgrade the on-board WiFi service. The deal, which Nomad says is a four-year base frame contract, contains an option for a three-year extension, and will see the Newcastle-based company install its Internet On-Board 5G solution on the French company’s high-speed trains (TGV INOUI). Nomad signed the deal following a comprehensive Public Tender exercise which lasted nine months. The terms call for the upgrading of up to 355 TGV INOUI high-speed trains across France. It also......

DB to Trial Trackside 5G in Major New Project

(15 Jun 2023, BWCS Staff)
In an important development for the niche world of Train Communications Systems, Deutsche Bahn has secured government funding to trial trackside 5G connectivity. The German Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is to pump €6.4 million into a scheme that will examine how best to achieve reliable 5G on trains by next year. The newly-launched Gigabit Innovation Track (GINT) project will involve mobile kit giant Ericsson, operator O2 Telefónica, and base station company Vantage Towers. Together with Deutsche Bahn, the partners will attempt to provide gigabit, 5G speeds to train......

UK Government Questions Value of On-Board WiFi Services -Sparks Backlash

(23 May 2023, BWCS Staff)
The UK Department for Transport appears to have thrown down the gauntlet to train companies to prove that on-board WiFi is worth having. The move comes amid a government review of costs as it looks to “reform all aspects of the railway”. However, leading industry experts have rebuffed the idea arguing that WiFi on trains is now seen as a fundamental service “as important as toilets” and must be maintained to help persuade passengers back on board. Almost all UK train operators provide free on-board WiFi as standard, but, according to Christian Wolmar’s......