Alstom launches an LTE1 (4G) pilot for the metro market to demonstrate the performance of a multi-services broadband radio network. Alstom has been working on LTE since the technology has been available from the telecom industry. This pilot will be using Huawei’s LTE technology following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies in April 2014.

Alstom and Huawei are now ready to test the new equipment on tracks at Alstom’s Valenciennes site (France). Huawei will provide the LTE network while Alstom will provide the train and LTE-compliant onboard equipment.

With LTE, rail customers benefit from operating a single wireless infrastructure that provides  mission critical voice communication, secure train signalling according to the CBTC standard and broadband data communication such as live video streaming of surveillance cameras and Passenger Information System. This will result in lower cost for the operator, more fluid and quicker passenger information and higher train availability.

This solution complements Alstom’s world leading CBTC solution Urbalis2. By the end of 2014, Alstom will be able to supply LTE technology in a converged and powerful multi-service solution. Huawei’s LTE solution has already been successfully deployed in a number of rail projects and the integration with Alstom’s CBTC solution Urbalis underlines the suitability of LTE as a converged network for rail operations.

1 – Long Term Evolution : 4th generation of radio communication based on the 3GPP standard

2 – Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC technology (Communication Based Train Control) allows real time information about the location of the trains, which substantially improves line operability and safety

 Press Release of Alstom, 6 August 2014

Photo: Urbalis Fluence and Metro of Lille © Alstom Transport / Milleetuneimages