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Moscow Expands WiFi Transport Footprint as RADWIN Launches New System
(06 Jul 2016, BWCS Staff)In a clear nod to the popularity of the free WiFi-on-trains network available deep below the ground in Moscow, Yevgeniy Mikhailov, head of the Mosgortrans state-owned public transportation, has announced that it will be merged with ground public transport WiFi services. This means that from the end of the summer, passengers will be able to move “seamlessly” from one system to the other without dropping a signal. Mikhailov also plans to have power sockets for charging mobile devices and tablets installed in Metro stations and later on trains.
The WiFi and mobile signals on what is the World’s second most popular Metro (behind Seoul) are supplied by RADWIN’s “Fibre-in-motion” system. Installed last year, the network covers the entire 206 miles of track, all tunnels and almost 200 stations, many of them deep underground. The deepest station, Park Pobedy, is some 74 metres below the surface. Maxima Telecom is the company charged with supplying WiFi to the Metro, which boasts some 2.5 billion passenger journeys annually.
Last month RADWIN launched a new generation of this solution which it says is capable of delivering throughput of over 500Mbps per train. According to the company its multi-band radio system, operating in the 4.9GHz to 6GHz range, has a range of 1km underground and up to 5km above ground and supports trains speeds of up to 350kmph. The upper limit of 500Mbps means that the system will be able to supply HD CCTV as well as high-speed WiFi for passengers, multimedia infotainment and on-board operational options.
At the time of the launch of its new solution, Nir Hayzler, RADWIN’s VP and Head of its Transportation Business commented: “We see a growing demand for on-board broadband services in the rail and metro segment. At the same time, these operators face technological barriers of supporting such services on-the-move. In a travel sector that is becoming increasingly competitive, our breakthrough train-to-ground solution is empowering transit authorities to exceed commuters’ expectations and provide a new type of experience whereby passengers can enjoy true broadband services such as video streaming.”
Meanwhile, the imminent arrival of the new Moscow Ring Railway which is due to be integrated into the Metro system in nine years’ time will expand the potential audience further. By 2025 the 32 station rail system is expected to be carrying some 300 million passengers annually.
The problem of how to improve trackside coverage was one of the main topics addressed at the recent WiFi on Trains Conference hosted by BWCS in London. There were several new announcements made during the Conference, all of which can be found at www.Traincomms2016.com . For more information about next year’s Conference, including speaking and sponsoring opportunities, please contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .
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