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US MidWest to get WiFi on Trains
(28 Jul 2022, BWCS Staff)US train giant Amtrak has signed up Icomera to provide on-board WiFi for its Midwest services. The deal means that the Swedish/UK connectivity supplier will be responsible for adding passenger Internet services to Amtrak’s new fleet in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Icomera will install, maintain, and monitor on-board mobile Internet services for 88 new Siemens “Venture” single-level passenger cars, which are jointly owned by the Midwest states and will be operated and contracted by Amtrak.
The project marks an expansion of the relationship between Icomera and Amtrak, which began in 2015. Amtrak Midwest comprises eight intercity rail routes, connecting 67 stations across the region.
The current US administration under “Amtrak Joe” Biden has said it aims to prioritise rail and alternate modes of transportation. This has been supported by the bipartisan infrastructure law President Biden signed last year. The measure includes US$66 billion for the nation’s ailing rail network.
In 2021 Amtrak announced its intention to spend US$7.3 billion on replacing 83 passenger trains. The new rolling stock, all of which will all feature on-board WiFi, individual power outlets and USB ports, is set to replace carriages that are up to 50 years old.
Speaking at the time, Amtrak CEO, William Flynn, said that some of the new trains, which will be less polluting than the old stock, will be hybrids - able to operate on diesel and electricity where wires are available. The new trains, to be built int the US, will replace Amfleet, Metroliner and state-owned equipment starting in 2024. The railroad has an option to buy 130 additional trains from Siemens
Icomera continues to grow its direct partner role with Amtrak Statewide Partners across the U.S. to fulfill statewide technology initiatives.
Track-side connectivity and on-board WiFi services will be the main subjects of BWCS’s WiFi on Trains Conference in October (www.Traincomms.com ).
The Full Programme is Available now at the website, where you can also sign up for our Free WiFi on Trains News Service (www.Traincomms.com ).
Or, to discuss exhibiting at the conference, please contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com
This year’s Conference is sponsored by Westermo, Nomad, GlobalReach Technology and RADWIN
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