Slovak Republic Getting a GSM-R Network

Nortel Networks has won a GMS-R contract from Kapsch CarrierCom on behalf of Slovak Railways. Under an agreement Nortel Networks will supply Kapsch CarrierCom with a complete network infrastructure solution -- including GSM-R compliant radio base stations and switching equipment -- to connect Slovak Railways to the railway communications networks of the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

"Comprehensive transportation system solutions are based on a complex interplay of many different components," said Thomas Schopf, a member of the board of directors of Kapsch CarrierCom. "The selection of the right telecommunications solution as one of these components is a key success driver."

"Nortel Networks continues to deliver pan-European radio systems to satisfy the mobile communications needs of European railway operators," said Vivian Hudson, president and general manager, GSM/GSM-R, Nortel Networks. "Using state-of-the-art technology derived from our leadership in Wireless Data Networks for public service providers, Nortel Networks GSM-R technology has been developed to meet the business challenges of interoperability, improved operational performance, and value added services differentiation."

GSM-R was introduced to overcome the inefficient use of aging analog systems with one comprehensive voice and data infrastructure to increase spectrum efficiency while optimising operations. GSM-R, the digital train radio technology, forms the basis for voice and data traffic and the use of ETCS (Electronic Train Control System) GSM-R was developed under the EU-funded MORANE (MObile Radio for Railways Networks in Europe) project in which Nortel Networks was heavily involved and whose aim is to create a uniform digital radio system throughout Europe.

GSM-R is a mature technology in commercial operation and deployment in numerous countries across Europe and is on its way to becoming an international standard. Nortel Networks is now supplying GSM-R in Germany, France (MORANE), the UK, Italy and Slovakia. In Germany, Nortel Networks has deployed more than 1,500 base stations with Deutsche Bahn in the largest GSM-R network in the world. Nortel Networks has also provided the GSM-R end-to-end system of the new ICE high-speed line in commercial operation between Frankfurt and Cologne, as well as the high-speed line between Roma and Naples in Italy."

Posted to the site on 26th March 2003