UAE Gets WiFi Going on Trains

Implementation of what its backers are calling "the first WiFi on Trains system in the United Arab Emriates" is now complete. Mobiserve, the Egypt-based telecoms solutions provider, and Nomad, the UK-based WiFi on trains company, said that work on the Dubai Metro WiMax network is finished and that commuters can now access the internet on-board all trains via WiFi-enabled laptops or smart-phones.

The WiMax network, installed by Nomad Digital, on behalf of local telco and ISP Du, boasts average broadband speeds at stations of up to 4Mbps, while backhauling to the network through WiMax sees speeds reach around 2Mbps onboard the trains. The project began last June and work on the 20 stations on the network was complete by September.

Nomad Digital supplied the WiMax and HSPA components for the service and is running the on-board connections. According to Nomad, the system provides seamless broadband connectivity to all trains and stations on the network. The company also said that the Metro's mobile WiFi system can be integrated with a variety of applications, including real-time security CCTV cameras; entertainment downloaded by end-users and automated driver performance systems.

Train operators from around the world will be discussing how to benefit from trackside wireless communications networks at this year's Train Communications Systems Conference hosted by BWCS in June in central London. For further information please contact Ross Parsons (Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com ).