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Stadler Plumps for Nomad to Supply Kit for New International Trains
(13 Jul 2016, BWCS Staff)On-train WiFi company Nomad has been signed up by Stadler to supply kit for the new EC250 ‘Giruno’ high-speed trains being built for SBB. As reported last week, the Swiss state rail operator will use the new trains on the routes linking Zurich, and nearby cities, to Italy via the soon-to-open Gotthard Base Tunnel. SBB says it also plans to install WiFi on the former Cisalpino trains which run between Geneva and Italy via the Simplon Pass in Valais. However, it is not clear if the UK-based supplier will also provide the WiFi and infotainment system for these trains.
Nomad claims that the partnership will strengthen its hand in the region as it recently announced a new deal with the Austrian national train company ÖBB for the deployment of WiFi, infotainment and live TV. The technology company has long been a partner of Stadler and says that its collaboration with the manufacturer extends to Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden.
The Giruno trains which will run through the newly completed 57km-long Gotthard Base rail tunnel, will take advantage of the underground coverage supplied by all the Swiss mobile operators. According to SBB, this means that uninterrupted calls can be made from passenger trains travelling under the Alps for around 20 minutes at speeds of up to 200kmph.
SBB maintains that the high level of cellular coverage within Switzerland, combined with its decision to install mobile repeaters on many domestic trains, means that on-board WiFi is only really “necessary” on international services.
Swiss-based Stadler Rail AG is known mainly for producing regional train units and trams. It has operations in the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary as well as a joint venture in Azerbaijan. The company will use Nomad’s R3500 CCU, platform for the WiFi supply. This can also enable additional operational applications including an integrated passenger portal to deliver passenger information systems and infotainment services.
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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