The age of digital wireless train communications begins in Austria in summer 2008. At this time, ÖBB will install the first wireless train communications system based on the GSM-R European standard on the 80km pilot route between Wels and Passau. Kapsch CarrierCom AG completed the first part of the approximately Euro 40 Million and 3500km order on time. The rollout will continue along the main railway corridors and major routes during the next phases. Austria is the third country in Central Europe after Slovakia and the Czech Republic which is implementing the modern mobile communications system for the railway and which relies on Kapsch’s expertise and know-how. Further GSM-R tenders are currently in progress in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
Wels-Passau, this is digital communication on the railway: with immediate effect the GSM-R age has also reached Austria on this 80km route. Further routes will follow shortly. The crucial first test call within the ÖBB GSM-R network in Austria was successful. GSM-R revolutionizes the railway. With the inter-connection of the European GSM-R networks and due to the internationally standardized end-user terminals, cross-border communication using the same equipment is possible for international trains. The time-consuming operation of different, national systems is no longer required. The planned journey times for Vienna to Salzburg of 2 hours and 15 minutes or to Innsbruck of approximately 4 hours would not be possible without the implementation of GSM-R in conjunction with other changes to the infrastructure, at least not without considerable regional traffic disruptions. GSM-R also increases the competitiveness of rail traffic compared to road traffic. With the new system, freight trains can be dispatched faster at the border and be more quickly handed over to the neighboring country’s railway operator. As a next step, many applications can be processed by such a system depending on the railway operator’s implementation. Examples are ticket sales, seat reservations, freight tracking or electronic passenger information.
After Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Kapsch CarrierCom is also successful with GSM-R in Austria
Austria is the third country in Central Europe which relies on Kapsch CarrierCom’s GSM-R expertise. Kapsch is the general contractor for the installation of the new digital wireless train communications network for ÖBB. The company is required to ensure the timely and error-free delivery of all agreed deliverables. This includes network planning, civil works, antenna installation as well as putting into service and maintaining the network. Kapsch will co-operate with ÖBB-Infrastruktur Bau AG, which will provide the majority of the civil works, as well as with other Austrian partners. Nortel, a Canadian technology company and one of the global GSM-R market leaders will deliver the turnkey solution’s most important network components.
Kapsch upgrades GSM-R networks step-by-step
"With our expertise, we have implemented GSM-R networks in Central Europe step-by-step. Kapsch has decades of analog knowledge coupled with the latest digital expertise. With this know-how, we have already connected the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the first part of the national railway network to the new, pan-European standardized wireless train communications system. We also believe that we have good chances to win the upcoming tenders in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe", explained Thomas Schöpf, Member of the Kapsch CarrierCom Board of Directors. These tenders will take place shortly since 32 European railway operators have already decided to implement GSM-R as the new standard. GSM-R is already implemented or in the process of preparation on the most important European railway corridors.
ÖBB: Austria’s largest provider of mobility services
As a comprehensive service provider, ÖBB ensures the environmentally friendly transportation of people and goods. With 42.951 employees, revenues of Euro 5,466 Billion and investments of Euro 2,049 Billion in 2006, the ÖBB Group is one of the largest employers in Austria and an important economic driving force. In 2006, ÖBB transported 443 million passengers and 93 million tons of freight. ÖBB Holding AG is the corporate strategic leader of the ÖBB Group.
About Kapsch CarrierCom AG:
Kapsch CarrierCom AG belongs to the Kapsch Group and is specializing in communication solutions for operators of fixed - and mobile networks for voice and data transmission. Kapsch CarrierCom covers all fields: from analysis, consulting, design, development, integration, installation and training up to maintenance and operation of complete networks.
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