COMSA selects evo-rail 5G for LFP
UK technology group evo-rail is to install its rail-5G solution in Northern Spain on behalf of Infrastructure provider COMSA.
The system will be rolled-out on the high speed Llers-Figueres-Perpignan (LFP) line, which links Perpignan to Barcelona, and will provide ultrafast track-to-train rail connectivity. The deal follows a successful trial of the solution which demonstrated significant benefits for passengers and operators.
“The results from our trial over the past 18 months have been exceptional,” Richard Graham, Chief Engineer, evo-rail, comments. “Our patented composite catenary mounted poles allowed us to deploy in weeks rather than months and years whilst guaranteeing continuous connectivity at the fastest internet speeds seen anywhere in the world. We’re delighted to be continuing to deliver this revolutionary technology in support of COMSA and eventually Spanish customers.”
The rail-5G solution relies on mmWave technology alongside a non-conductive composite trackside antenna mounting system and can deliver more than 1Gb/s of broadband internet access to trains.
The system is based on regular composite poles that are installed tracksideand fitted with bi-directional antennae. These are used to connect to similar antennae fitted to the front and rear of the train providing additional redundancy and guaranteeing 100% coverage. The technology also relies on a technique called beamforming, which utilises the ultra-high frequencies of mmWave design to achieves long ranges up and down the track.
Simon Holmes, Managing Director, evo-rail, said: “We are delighted to be working with COMSA to bring our solution to mainland Europe. This deployment is a great example of how effective rail-5G can be while proving the deployment of our revolutionary composites pole that speed deployment and enhance rail safety.
Evo-rail is owned by UK transport provider FirstGroup and has been working with the University of Bristol over the last 5 years, supported by the Department for Transport. Its rail-5G collution has already been deployed by South Western Railway, the UK’s busiest railway, with over 200 trains fitted to accommodate the solution.
