NOMAD Digital Limited (“Nomad”), the leading global provider of train-to-shore data connectivity solutions, has recently been granted a (Wireless Telegraphy Act) licence by Ofcom to operate in radio spectrum managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the band 5.01 to 5.02 GHz.  The licence is the product of constructive collaboration between Nomad, the CAA and Ofcom and has enabled Nomad to deploy mobile broadband services in frequency bands hitherto available only to other services.  This licensed spectrum will be used by Nomad to provide IP connectivity to trains to enable a wide range of innovative services, such as enhanced passenger information and remote maintenance of vehicles as well as passenger internet access. Nomad is proud to be at the forefront of this innovative approach to the efficient use of spectrum.

Since its inception, Nomad has been seeking access to spectrum in a band where operation is not unduly restricted by low power limits, enabling the business to deliver high bandwidth communication services to the UK rail network. Working collaboratively with the members of the Public Sector Spectrum Safety Test Group, (Ofcom - the regulator and gateway for a range of spectrum users; Ministry of Defence; Department for Transport and their key agencies representing the ‘Crown’ users), Nomad identified a candidate band.  The key agency overseeing this band is the CAA representing the aeronautical sector.

After successfully undertaking an extensive safety case assessment supported by ATDI and Cobham Technical Services, the CAA agreed to the proposal to share spectrum. As part of this assessment ATDI modelled each service to create an interference susceptibility model. This enabled Nomad to identify spectrum in which their systems could co-exist with current users.  Ofcom was subsequently able to grant the licence.

Nomad’s Executive Chairman, Nigel Wallbridge said “We are pleased and proud that we have made a start acquiring licensed radio spectrum, and are keen to promote this to the rail industry where there is significant benefit.”

The licence, in the first instance, delivers the right to operate in the West Country and the work completed forms the basis of yet to be agreed licence extensions to operate on the routes of several franchises. Nomad is now pursuing those licence extensions to support a number of UK routes.

Cyprien de Cosson, MD of ATDI commented “The scarcity of spectrum resources is the bane of every radiocommunications project. What we have done here is establish the principle of co-existence whereby different services can occupy effectively the same space. The problems Nomad faced were the same as those for the gamut of radiocommunications companies and I am delighted we were able to offer them an interesting solution to those challenges.”

Nigel remarked “This licence extends Nomad’s capability to support operational and passenger services in its offering to the UK rail industry.”

Media: for further information, contact Maria Walker on 07889 363193