Nokia Siemens Networks to provide broadband for Austrian trains

Passengers using WESTbahn’s luxury express trains on the Salzburg-Vienna route will enjoy a superior travel experience with always-on broadband and other online services by the end of 2011. The Austrian railway operator has commissioned Nokia Siemens Networks to equip seven new double-deck trains with broadband access. The broadband connectivity will also enable the monitoring of trains and onboard equipment to improve operational support.

“Delivering a better experience for our passengers is a key priority for us, and providing onboard broadband access and other online services will add to our train’s existing top-class facilities,” said Thomas Baierl, CIO, MSc, WESTbahn Management GmbH. “Apart from Nokia Siemens Networks’ end-to-end capabilities and competence in train-to-land data transmission, what truly impressed us was their team’s clear understanding of our business needs.”

“Our approach to delivering broadband on trains will provide WESTbahn’s passengers with seamless internet connectivity. It will also enable train attendants to sell tickets to passengers on board the train as the solution will connect ticketing devices to a centralized server. These services will make travel more convenient and enjoyable,” added Michael Tremmel, in charge of broadband on trains across Europe for Nokia Siemens Networks. “In addition, the solution’s flexible architecture will enable the WESTbahn to easily extend its offering to include CCTV services.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide a complete network operation center, which will enable WESTbahn to track its trains via GPS, check on-board equipment performance and monitor the train-to-land connection to ensure best-in-class services. The company will integrate this solution with a data center on land for real-time data access, and will also deliver operation and maintenance services.