GSM-R revolutionises the railway. With the inter-connection of the European GSM-R networks and due to the internationally standardised 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. GSM-R also increases the competitiveness of rail traffic compared to road traffic. With the new system, freight and passenger trains can be dispatched faster at the border and be more quickly handed over to the neighboring country’s railway operator. "We support our long-standing partner ÖBB on the road to a new form of international wireless train communication. ÖBB benefits from our leading position on the international GSM-R market. Train operators around the world rely on Kapsch CarrierCom’s expertise and competence", says Thomas Schöpf, Kapsch CarrierCom’s COO.
Since 2008, the communication within the Austrian railway network is being migrated step-by-step to digital wireless train communication. By 2013, 3500 km of ÖBB’s core network (the complete network is approximately 5700 km) will be equipped with GSM-R. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG will invest approximately Euro 82 Million in this ambitious mobile communication rollout. The project began with the GSM-R upgrade of the Wels - Passau railway route, and this system went live during the summer of 2008. Euro 7 Million was invested in this pilot project. The Wels - Passau field trial delivered valuable insights for the further route expansion. "We are on the right technological path to the future with our GSM-R program", explains Herwig Wiltberger, Member of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG Board of Directors. "We will expand the digital wireless train communication to the entire core network in the next years and consequently this will strengthen the Western and Southern railway lines, which are our main arteries".
More security, more services and more trains
GSM-R was defined as a uniform wireless communication system for the European railways as part of a European-wide convention (Agreement to implement the Eirene specification). The GSM-R wireless communication standard will provide, in the future, the complete operational data and voice communications in the ÖBB core network as well as for the cross-border rail traffic. GSM-R offers the security of a well-proven technical system (GSM) as well as a number of additional functions such as the Gang warning system or electronic passenger information in a train. Many value-added applications such as ticket sales in the train, electronic passenger information, seat reservations as well as freight tracking can be implemented as a next step using GSM-R.
Kapsch CarrierCom as a reliable partner for the Purkersdorf switch hall project
Kapsch CarrierCom completed the digital radio system in the Purkersdorf switch hall in record time. This radio system includes GSM-R as well as analog wireless train communication. Additionally, the integration of Public Safety services (TETRA, Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is in preparation. The tunnel section is also integrated into the Vienna fire department’s wireless communication system using Kapsch CarrierCom’s installed system. Furthermore, GSM900/1800 and UMTS connections will be provided to passengers in the tunnels.
Part of a European-wide train warning and management system
Interoperable passenger and freight traffic is of fundamental importance in a transit country such as Austria, and ÖBB has taken active part in the introduction of a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) for many years. Such a management system is related to an extensive technical route upgrade. The ambitious GSM-R expansion program will be implemented on ÖBB routes by 2013. Kapsch CarrierCom, as the general contractor and on behalf of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, is responsible for the wireless network planning, the GSM-R technology’s implementation and functionality, as well as for the proof of seamless wireless coverage. "With Kapsch CarrierCom, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG has a leading local technology company as a partner. Together we want to strengthen the railway’s position in Austria as well as ÖBB’s position in Europe", concludes Herwig Wiltberger.
Kapsch CarrierCom is a global manufacturer and independent system integrator of telecommunication solutions for railway operators and providers of access, core and transmission networks. In seven R&D centers in Europe and Asia, Kapsch CarrierCom develops applications and services for next generation networks and innovative OSS/BSS solutions. In addition, Kapsch CarrierCom provides an end-to-end service spectrum, which ranges from consulting, designing, installing and integrating, to maintaining, operating and supporting entire networks.
With 70,000 track-kilometers covered by GSM-R, Kapsch CarrierCom is an internationally recognized specialist and partner for railway operators such as the French railway RFF, the German railway DB and Network Rail in the United Kingdom. In the public operator segment, Kapsch CarrierCom’s customers include service providers such as the companies of the Telekom Austria Group and Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan. Kapsch CarrierCom is part of the Kapsch Group and has its headquarters in Vienna.
For further information please contact:
Bettina Gusenbauer
Press Contact
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG
Vivenotgasse 10, 1120 Vienna, Austria
Mobile: +43 664 617 3655
E-Mail: bettina.gusenbauer@oebb.at
www.oebb.at
Hans-Georg Mayer
Public Relations
Kapsch CarrierCom AG
Am Europlatz 5, 1120 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 50 811 3664
E-Mail: hans-georg.mayer@kapsch.net
www.kapsch.net