Train Communications 2008
Train Communications 2008 will be held in central London on the 11th and 12th of June 2008, and hosted by technology consultancy BWCS. Train companies from across the globe will discuss the latest developments in train communications systems (pdf brochure).
As Graham Wilde, CEO of BWCS, put it, “This year there has been an unprecedented number of new services and trials launched. From the West Coast of America, to India and Australia, we are seeing more interest than ever in these on-board WiFi systems.”
BWCS will host a series of presentations by the leading rail companies.
Among those presenting at Train Communications Systems 2008 will be: Virgin Trains, Capitol Corridors Joint Power Authority (US Train Operator), VIA Rail (Canada), Swiss Rail, NSB (Norwegian Rail), GNER, SNCF, SJ, Deutsche Bahn, Danish Rail, Nokia Siemens Networks, Lloyd’s Register Rail, NS Trains, Icomera, Moovera, Nomad Digital, Parsons Corporation, WiFi Rail and others.
San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit is in talks with WiFi Rail to provide system-wide wi-fi service after a successful trial program. Phase three of the demonstration program was completed recently.
The Norwegian State Railway (NSB) project is said to be the first in the world to cover a national rail network with broadband data connectivity. Danish railway operator Arriva Scandinavia has deployed free Wi-Fi on 29 commuter trains. It will be paid for in part by advertising.
In related news:
- The cost for transit vehicle Wi-Fi is relatively cheap, averaging somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per bus to install, as well as a monthly access card fee of around $50 to $60, says the trade magazine, Metro Magazine.
- Over the next few model years, drivers will be able to do things such as find a nearby gas station with the lowest price, pay bills, order movies and schedule hair appointments. But get set to have ads on board. Advertisers would pay for premier placement in the map listings that come up when a driver is searching for a nearby coffee shop or a pharmacy.
- For a complete guide to where the airlines stand on mobile phone calls in-flight, click here.
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