Nokia Siemens Networks to extend Deutsche Bahn rail communications across 7,000 kms

Deutsche Bahn Netz AG and Nokia Siemens Networks have signed a framework agreement to expand the GSM Railway (GSM-R) communications along an additional 7,000 kilometers of the passenger rail routes.

The system carries signaling and operational information directly to the driver, enabling higher speeds and greater traffic density with improved safety. Additionally, by replacing all existing voice and data communication systems with GSM-R, a single streamlined digital radio system, Deutsche Bahn will be able to reduce its operating costs.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will supply a complete GSM-R radio solution, including base stations, base station controllers, network management as well as integration, installation, upgrades and services for 15 years support. The project will start in the first quarter of 2008 and the first installation phase is to be completed by 2008/2009.

Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the inventors of the GSM-R technology, with Siemens researching and creating the GSM-R standard in the early 1990s. The world’s earliest three GSM-R trial networks and the first commercial network have been supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks. To date, the company has deployed GSM-R networks in 15 countries serving 50.000 km of railways.