The NSB project is the first in the world to cover a national rail network with broadband data connectivity. The pilot phase of deployment will be on commuter trains around Oslo and inter-city trains to Bergen and Trondheim. This agreement provides NSB with the framework to deploy the Nomad solution on its entire rail fleets over time, making this the world’s largest national deployment of this kind. 

In addition to WiFi internet service, NSB passengers will be offered a portfolio of premium broadband Entertainment content on board inter-city trains. Nomad is in discussion with best-in-class providers for the NSB Entertainment service, the scope of which includes: films, TV shows, news, music, games, instant messaging and mapping. Portable media player devices distributed on trains will give passengers without laptops a chance to use the internet and Entertainment services. 

NSB will also use the Nomad connectivity platform for a range of enhanced operational applications such as real-time train location tracking, passenger counting and on-board CCTV access. 

Nomad is a pioneering provider of mobile connectivity solutions for public transport operators, with deployments in the AsiaPac region, the Americas and now extends its existing EMEA activities to include the Scandinavian region. Nomad’s unique fast bearer-switching technology integrates multiple backhaul networks for the NSB project, including 3G and WiFi at stations, to deliver the best of continuous connectivity and high bandwidth. 

Nomad executive chairman Nigel Wallbridge said: “NSB has shown great vision in its plans for the use of broadband connectivity on their trains to deliver a range of applications that improve service to their passengers. We were impressed by the way people from all areas of NSB co-operated to identify ways that they will leverage the broadband platform to deliver benefit for their area of operations.” 

“We are especially excited about NSB’s Entertainment proposition as a comprehensive and compelling reason for inter-city travellers to make the train their first choice for travel. We are building a similar entertainment proposition for the UK rail market and expect to offer this service on both Nomad’s existing and new contracts. We are always interested in hearing from passengers about content they would like to see, and from content providers who want to reach those passengers.” 

NSB’s director – passenger trains Stein Nilsen commented: “We know that a lot of our customers are waiting for internet in our trains, and we take this a step further to introduce the possibility of different Entertainment offers.” 

Ståle Nistov, NSB marketing director added: “NSB has for the recent years been working to make it possible for customers on board to use their time as they want on trains – to work, read, sleep or eat – we want to make this new possibility. Many people have asked for the internet, and we also give them Entertainment and information through this new WiFi service. 

With this new platform there will be a WiFi connection to the passengers; the coverage and the speed will be subject to what is offered by our backhaul operators with whom we will strike a separate agreement. 

Where we have this entertainment offer it will also be possible to rent portable media players to have access to films, news, internet, etc., and we will further develop this offer based on feedback from dialogue with our customers.” 


For Further Information

Entertainment content-related enquiries please contact: matthew.gould@nomadrail.com 
Press enquiries please contact Peter Jackson of Press Ahead: pj@pressahead.info