Axell Wireless Wins Underground Radio Coverage Contract

Axell Wireless has announced that it is deploying a multi-band radio system to provide wireless coverage throughout the giant Lainzer train tunnel in Vienna. The system, which caters for Multiband public safety system including Tetra and analogue, GSM-R, GSM and 3G signals, will meet all the communication requirements of the rail network, emergency services and mobile network operators. The system is also designed to provide DVB-H video broadcasting as this is rolled out.

The system has been designed by Axell Wireless to meet the specifications of Austrian rail network ÖBB, with the dual purpose of providing wireless coverage for public safety and public networks. At the public safety layer, the system provides coverage for GSM-R and TETRA. The second layer provides coverage across the GSM spectrum for commercial mobile networks, including 3G and allowing mobile subscribers to access voice and data services over both their handsets and laptops.

TETRA, a two way radio standard used by the emergency services, is required on all new underground installations to meet European safety standards.

The rail network operator, ÖBB, commissioned telecoms solutions provider, Kapsch CarrierCom, to install the system and Axell Wireless has provided the system's software and hardware equipment. The public safety features include an automatic signal level control and an integrated alarm system that is fully redundant, and which will still trigger an alarm in the event of a power failure.

Ian Brown, CEO of Axell Wireless, said: "Any multiband radio network is going to be a challenge to deploy, as you need to integrate a number of different frequencies and services while ensuring there are no interference issues. The Lainzer Tunnel project needed to incorporate provision for commercial mobile network standards and take account of the EU directive to include TETRA in any new installation. Axell Wireless simplified what could have been a very complex process by integrating all the separate elements into the network, meaning we are now the sole point of contact going forwards."

The tunnel is due to open to traffic in 2013.

Posted to the site on 18th February 2009