Channel Tunnel to Get a GSM-R Network

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Nortel said Thursday that Thales U.K. has selected it to provide a digital wireless communications network and support services for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between London and Folkestone.

The network will be designed to support secure, reliable voice communications to train controllers and drivers using the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, including EUROSTAR.

Thales UK's telecommunications business was contracted to supply communications services by Rail Link Engineering, the company responsible for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Nortel will work alongside Thales U.K. to deploy a GSM for Railways (GSM-R) network.

Working alongside Thales U.K., Nortel is providing engineering, installation, integration, project and consultancy services for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link GSM-R network. Channel Tunnel Rail Link drivers will communicate via GSM-R terminals to GSM-R base transceiver stations along the rail link between London and Folkestone, connected through a base station controller located in Ashford, Kent.

Nortel is deploying nationwide GSM-R networks across Europe and Asia. These include networks in France for RFF, in Great Britain for Network Rail, and in Germany for Deutsche Bahn.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires "

Posted to the site on 10th November 2005