New Dutch WiFi Service Ready for Departure
Event Date: 29 March 2010
TRAVELLERS on Dutch intercity rail can now use on-board broadband WiFi, thanks to a new service introduced by operator NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen).
In one of the biggest contracts of its kind ever awarded, UK-based Nomad Digital, a global leader in broadband data solutions to the transportation sector, working with T-Mobile, has designed and installed passenger information and WiFi services, and will operate and maintain the underlying ICT infrastructure on NS trains.
The new service was unveiled and launched this week (Monday, March 29th) when the Minister of Transport, Camiel Eurlings and NS President, Bert Meerstadt drove a train to Bijlmer Arena Station in Amsterdam, where they invited passengers to join them for this first WiFi enabled journey.
The passengers were able to experience internet access and real time travel information presented via screens and a passenger announcement system.
This five-year contract with Nomad – with an option for a further five years – will initially see services deployed on 187 intercity trains and eventually 365, making approximately 600,000 journeys every day.
The complete roll-out is scheduled to be completed in 3 years time and, by the end of this year, more than a third of the intercity trains will be equipped with the new service. The Ministry of Transport is providing funding of 15m Euros for the new system.
At the heart of the service is Nomad’s mobile broadband solution, providing seamless connectivity across multiple 3G networks, and a platform for further NS on-board applications such as CCTV, passenger counting and other applications, aimed at reducing operational costs. The WiFi service will initially be free of charge to stimulate usage.
Mr Meerstadt said: “During their train journeys, our customers need the correct information, at the right place and at the right time. This marks an important step towards the attainment of a key NS objective, namely the provision of a first class service, including appropriate information, for the train traveller. This has been achieved thanks to the Ministry of Transport and our partners Nomad Digital and T-Mobile.’’
Bimal Shah, Chief Financial Officer at Nomad and present at the launch, said: “This marks not only a real enhancement to the passenger experience for those using NS intercity trains, but also provides an extremely valuable platform on which NS can build even more sophisticated onboard train management systems. Nomad is delighted to have delivered this service and we look forward to working with NS in the years to come.’’
