Using wi-fi to give trains a competitive advantage

I think this is a great image from Nokia Siemens Networks, detailing how a traveller might use on-board wi-fi throughout the course of a journey. It suggests a compelling argument for train companies – particularly on high speed lines – to install broadband and use it as a competitive factor to attract European travellers on to trains over planes.

I’m currently speaking with the likes of SNCF, SNCB, OBB, DB and Renfe in relation to the RailTel Congress, about the technical challenges involved in the installation of onboard wi-fi. These are some of the top areas they’ve highlighted:

-Understanding the short- medium and long-term outlook for on-board communication: implications for operators and infrastructure

-What’s the outlook for harmonisation of the spectrum?

-How to integrate 4G technology which marries capacity with coverage

-How to successfully install Wi-fi onboard high speed trains

-Which signals should be employed?

-How to physically get it installed – comparing satellites, G3 and ‘normal’ telecoms

-How to switch seamlessly between mobile networks

-Working around tunnels, high speed and other environmental challenges

-How to generate revenue from onboard wi-fi

Any others you can think of? And what solutions from the likes of Nokia Siemens Networks are available to help?