Inmarsat launches telemetry and satellite communications solution for rail industry

Mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat has launched a new Rail Telemetry and Communications Solution for the global rail industry. The solution promises to provide real-time data transfer and push-to-talk (PTT) communications for rail operators working in remote areas across the globe, connecting drivers and railway staff to drive operational efficiencies and improve the overall safety of the railway. This builds on Inmarsat’s existing work with the rail sector.

Inmarsat’s Rail Telemetry and Communications Solution leverages its Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), which aims to offer reliability of up to 99.9% uptime. Low form factor satellite terminals, such as the new Cobham Explorer 323, are mounted on locomotives providing real-time GPS, telemetry and PTT capabilities anywhere in the world. This means control centres can monitor and schedule the movement of locomotives, rolling stock and goods across an entire rail network, while enabling communications with crew wherever they are located.

An important feature of the solution is the integration with existing equipment on board. The Cobham PRISM PTT⁺ solution integrates into the locomotive’s existing radio, so the rail operator doesn’t have to get rid of their existing trusted equipment. PRISM PTT⁺, a service powered by Cobham SATCOM’s innovative PRISM (Private Routing & Intelligent System Management) technology looks to enable the BGAN PTT Solution to switch between connectivity types such as UHF or VHF, 3G/4G and satellite making the solution cost-effective and easy to use.

Commenting on the solution, Steven Tompkins, Director of Sector Development at Inmarsat, said: “Inmarsat’s new Rail Telemetry and Communications Solution builds on projects with leading rail operators in Latin America and development work with our hardware and service provider partners. We are confident the solution provides the most reliable data and communications service for train companies and will lead to a paradigm shift in the safety and efficiency of remote rail operations.”

He continued: “As well as being relied on to transfer critical data in real-time, Inmarsat’s Rail Telemetry and Communications Solution is unique in providing a PTT voice communication feature that can switch between connectivity types seamlessly, without any lag in reconnection. This provides operators with complete confidence that data will always be transferred, the latest technology onboard will stay operational and voice communications with drivers and crew can be maintained wherever the train is located.”

Henrik Nørrelykke, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Cobham, remarked: “Cobham SATCOM is excited to work with Inmarsat to launch the new Rail Telemetry and Communications Solution. Utilising the Cobham Explorer Mobile Gateway, the PRISM PTT+ solution enables easy integration into any existing radio equipment, making it simple for organisations across a range of industries to upgrade their trusted 2-way radio capabilities.”