Belarusian Railway Connectivity

Nextivity’s European partner Energicom, in Belarus, was contracted to install a unique technical solution to provide passengers with free Internet access using Wi-Fi technology and stable mobile 3G communication at any train speed. Providing communication in the trains of the Belarusian Railway is one of the projects that was implemented by the official communication operator of the II European Games.

Challenges

Energicom’s technical expertise made it possible to provide stable mobile communication inside the trains despite the metal walls of the cars, which do not allow the signal to pass through well, the high speed of trains, and remoteness from base stations and interference. In addition, subscribers of all mobile operators will be able to use Wi-Fi while on the road for free. To do this, passengers will need to register through the authorization portal, and then receive an access code via SMS to their mobile phone number.

Product Solution

Wi-Fi access points were installed in all train cars, which were connected to a router with a wireless modem.?The installed?Cel-Fi GO RMT?amplifying equipment retransmits the 3G network signal received from the base stations through the radiating cable laid in the cars.?To improve the signal reception of both the Wi-Fi system and the?Cel-Fi GO RMT, special?HUBER+SUHNER?transportation antennas were installed on the roof of the train.

Outcome

Telecom operator Velcom and the Belarusian Railways presented a unique technical communication solution for passenger trains as part of preparations for the 2nd European Games.?The new development made it possible to simultaneously provide passengers with both free Wi-Fi Internet access and a stable mobile 3G connection on the train speed at any speed up to 160km/h.

The II European Games will be held in Minsk from 21 to 30 June 2019.?More than 4 thousand athletes will compete for 201 sets of medals.?Athletes from all over Europe will compete in 23 disciplines representing 15 sports.?About 18 thousand official participants are expected at the event, and the competition is planned to be broadcast to 160 countries of the world.

Testimonial

“Access to wireless Internet on the trains of the Belarusian Railways and high-quality communication is an important component of the service for passengers, along with safety, comfort and reduction of travel time,” said?Alexander Kazachok, Deputy Head of the Passenger Service of the Belarusian Railways. –?In addition, improving the quality of communication will optimize the related technologies and services of BelZhD, ensuring the stable operation of passenger boarding control devices, ticket sales via the Internet, cashless payments on trains, as well as high-quality communication with Contact Center specialists, including by improving mobile network coverage along railroad tracks.