Wifi Revolution

Nortel said that it has been selected to deploy a global system for mobile communications – railway (GSM-R) wireless communications system for a new railway line in Algeria.

 

The railway line is part of the High Plateaus railway system that crosses the country from East to West, and links the cities of Ain Toutta and Msilla. The Algerian National Railways Investment Company (ANESRIF) is managing the modernization of the Algerian railway system.

 

The modernization initiative includes the construction of new railway lines, signaling systems and installation of other railway equipment. The new line will be operated by Algeria’s Societe Nationale des Transports Ferroviares (SNTF), which is the first African railway operator to adopt the GSM-R standard.

 

The new Nortel (News - Alert) deployment includes integrating the GSM-R radio system to ANESRIF’s core network, GSM-R terminals such as handhelds and cab radios, base stations, and also related telecom services for the railway lines.

 

“Nortel continues to support ANESRIF and the Algerian government with their railway modernization plans by providing proven, advanced technologies, along with support services based on our long telecommunications heritage,” said Michel Clement, president at Nortel Carrier Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

 

The deployment of Nortel’s GSM-R solution is expected to enable ANESRIF to improve safety, reduce operational costs and increase average train speeds which in turn will cut travel times.

 

Additionally, Nortel’s technology is also expected to help increase network interoperability and support new voice applications running over the GSM-R network such as railway emergency and group conference calls.

 

GSM-R supports secure communications among railway operational staff, including drivers, dispatchers, train engineers and station controllers. GSM-R is also part of the new European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) standard and carries the signalling information directly to the train driver.

 

Last year, Nortel bagged the Algerian GSM-R technology contracts for two new railway lines connecting Tabia-Mecheria and Bordj Bouarreridj - M'Sila. In 2006, Nortel was awarded a contract for the El Gourzi-Touggourt line in Eastern Algeria.

 

 

“These contracts are significant wins for Nortel in GSM-R and reflect the continuing satisfaction of our clients in our ongoing ability to deliver as promised,” said Clement.

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