3G Sponsored by Tektronix

 

 

World's First UMTS Wireless Network in a Public Metro System

1st December, 2004

ASIA : Andrew Corporation will install the world’s first third generation (3G) wireless network of its kind for use in a public transportation system under a two-year contract to upgrade the Hong Kong mass transit railway’s underground communications network.

The distributed communications system that Andrew is installing into the MTR, Hong Kong’s metro system, will enable passengers with mobile wireless devices to enjoy access to advanced multimedia and information services, such as gaming and real-time streaming video, in addition to traditional voice calling and text messaging services. This 3G ready network will be the first in a public transportation system based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standard. The UMTS standard was developed to support 3G technology and is most commonly used in Europe and Asia.

“Andrew is proud of its role in helping the MTR become the first mass transit system to provide UMTS-based mobile communications services to its passengers,” said Bob Hudzik, president, Wireless Innovations Group, Andrew Corporation. “MTR passengers can pass time by surfing the Internet or watching streaming video while business people can take part in video phone calls and receive high-volume emails. Passengers will benefit from Andrew’s deep experience in working with transit systems around the world.”

Andrew’s 3G experts engineered the Hong Kong system to address the unique requirements of a 3G network’s high frequency ranges. Andrew’s design will counteract signal losses and provide better coverage throughout the Metro through use of high-performance tuned radiating cables, large diameter feeder cables, new and relocated antennas at critical signal sites, new amplifiers and reconfigured transmission paths. The Andrew system will encompass all underground stations and tunnels in five MTR lines and the Airport Express. Completion of the entire project including maintenance is expected in 2006.

The equipment Andrew will supply, install, test, and commission includes:

3G-compliant radio frequency and optical amplifiers
Node M43 repeaters
EOCell™ RF-over-fiber system
RCT7-CPUS series tuned RADIAX® radiating cable
HELIAX® foam coaxial cable, connectors and accessories
3G/2G crossband combiner
3G combiners and
Splitters and couplers

The new 3G network continues Andrew’s work with the MTR. In 1994, Andrew installed the 2LCX integrated radio network to provide GSM, CDMA, and TDMA services. Andrew also installed the paging facilities system in 1994 and has maintained both systems since then.

Home ProZone Subscribe To Newsletter 3G Forum