Nokia Siemens Networks has won a mobile network equipment deal with the Turkish state railway company that it says will improve communications between staff, boost safety, and allow for a more frequent train service on the Eskisehir-Ankara route.
The railway company, T.C. Devlet Demiryollari (TCDD), is working with the equipment maker and with transport and defence communications specialist Thales Spain to upgrade its GSM-R infrastructure for the aforementioned line.
"Nokia Siemens Networks will supply a GSM-R network that provides reliable voice communication between staff on the train and the operation centre," the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Thales will provide on-board digital radio signalling and diagnosis systems that will enable a number of additional features, such as the ability to monitor the exact position and direction of travel of the trains. As a result TCDD expects to be able to increase the frequency of train services between the Turkish capital Ankara and Eskisehir, about 100 miles to the west.
The radio network will be built with geo-redundant features to help ensure uninterrupted voice communication and signalling; in the event of a natural disaster or other incident at one site, a second site would be able to support the whole network.
"Nokia Siemens Networks' GSM-R upgrade will help TCDD ensure greater safety for passengers travelling on the Eskisehir-Ankara route," said Ferit Peremeci, CEO of Thales Spain, Turkey Branch. "Apart from that, the travel time on this route will also be shortened to a great degree, offering travellers a superior experience."
Under the terms of the deal Nokia Siemens will provide GSM-R radio network equipment, including its BS 240 base stations and base station controllers, as well as SDH transmission kit and a transport network management system.