Track and signalling

NOMAD wins deal to provide broadband data communications

NOMAD Digital has been awarded a major contract by Virgin Trains in the UK to install its passenger wireless internet system on the operator’s West Coast Main Line (WCML) trains

Nomad, the global market leaders in the provision of mobile wireless services for transportation, will be installing its equipment both along the WCML rail network and on Virgin Trains’ entire Pendolino fleet, which operates from Central London to Scotland, incorporating links to major UK cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Preston.

Construction and installation will now begin on the 650 kilometre long network, which will give over 18 million passengers a year access to a high-speed broadband connection to read e-mails, browse the web, and download digital data, such as music and games, throughout their journey – even in tunnels.

Nomad chief executive Graeme Lowdon said: “This is another exciting development for Nomad as it continues to cement its reputation as the leading global provider of broadband data communications to trains and other moving vehicles. We are now going to be building a substantial network for Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line, using innovative, proprietary technology, which will allow them to deliver another level of service to their customers”.

“People are busier today than ever before and they want to make better use of their travel time, for business or leisure. The system we are installing for Virgin Trains will allow their passengers to do just that – and in doing so it will give rail a big advantage over other forms of transport.’’

Nomad was named by Virgin Trains as preferred bidder for the service last September and has now been awarded the contract for the remainder of the franchise.

Nomad’s innovative mobile communications system links the train to trackside wireless base stations, with radios located every few miles along the route, providing a reliable and seamless broadband connection to the internet.

This means it runs along a corridor of wireless coverage, allowing information to be sent and received at speeds up to 25 times faster than domestic broadband internet access.

Peter Jefferies, Virgin Trains Commercial Financial Controller said today: “This is great news for our customers and brings us a step closer to the complete office on wheels. Business travellers need and expect constant and reliable communications while on the move and we are delighted that today’s contract signing with Nomad means that work on providing a first rate wi-fi service can now begin. We look forward to working with Nomad in the months ahead.”

This contract marks another major step forward for Nomad, which earlier this year installed its system on the Heathrow Express line, which links central London to the UK’s busiest international airportIt also operates a system for train operator Southern on the London to Brighton line in partnership with T Mobile.

Nomad has conducted the first successful broadband communication with a moving train in the US, for Caltrain in California, which is now seeking funding to roll the system out along the track through Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose.

Nomad has also conducted successful trials in the Netherlands and is active in markets worldwide including India, the Middle East and the Far East.

And in March, Nomad announced its acquisition of QinetiQ Rail, the commercial rail division of QinetiQ, one of the world’s leading defence and security technology companies.

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]