Nomad Digital to provide broadband communication services for Caltrain

Nomad Digital, specialist in transport connectivity solutions has been awarded two contracts by Caltrain to supply, implement, operate, and maintain a turnkey Trackside Radio Network and associated on-train services on the newly electrified line spanning the San Francisco to San Jose rail corridor.

The project includes fitting Caltrain’s trackside infrastructure with a Radio Network using cutting edge mmWave radio technology to deliver gigabit broadband performance. The complete end to end network architecture includes the use of next generation train to ground communication technologies and on-train Wi-Fi equipment, all supplied and designed to work together to deliver the latest industry performance.

The design and deployment of this new Trackside Radio Network infrastructure allows Caltrain to supply passengers with a high bandwidth internet experience and to support digital services through an ‘always on’ network approach, including CCTV, train monitoring and up to date Passenger Information. Wi-Fi 6 and Hotspot 2.0 features make the system future-proof and able to support advanced access technologies.

“We are very pleased to secure these contracts with Caltrain and want first to thank the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for their confidence,” Xavier Champaud, Managing Director of Nomad Digital, said. “The newly electrified line for this corridor will have a positive environmental impact in the region and to partner with Caltrain on implementing the latest mmWave radio infrastructure as part of this, encouraging ridership, is a great achievement. Its implementation without affecting today’s operation is a must and we trust that Nomad Digital’s expertise in designing and deploying complex telecom infrastructure in the Railway context places Nomad Digital in the position to deliver the expectation.”

“Silicon Valley’s train needs Wi-Fi,” Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director for Caltrain, said. “Onboard Wi-Fi will allow our riders to get a head start on the workday, or decompress on their way home, staying connected with the world outside. This is one more reason for commuters to choose Caltrain over sitting in highway gridlock.”