
Europe
: Icomera announced 11 ( euro ) million contract with leading Scandinavian
train operator, SJ, to equip its fleet with Icomera's Wireless Onboard
Internet Service. The deal consists of Icomera delivering its Intercity
Edition for the current X2000 train type and Commuter Edition for
the new X40 fleet, and it will also mark the roll-out of Icomera's
3G/satellite-enabled Wi-Fi service - a world first for the rail
industry.
SJ plans to
roll out Icomera's Wireless Onboard Internet Solution on its fleet
of 85 trains during the summer, enabling its Intercity and Commuter
passengers to surf the Internet and check e-mails at broadband speeds,
with guaranteed 100-percent connectivity. The deal represents the
first full fleet roll-out by a train operator of an onboard wireless
Internet service and the world's first implementation of 3G/satellite-enabled
Wi-Fi service. Another Icomera customer, GNER, is currently testing
the 3G system on its East Coast route in the UK.
The new SJ service, "Internet on Track," takes
advantage of new 3G infrastructure and Wi-Fi technology to increase
bandwidth and improve the customer experience traveling onboard
a train or while waiting at the station
Michael Johansson,
CEO of Icomera, commented: "This deal cements Icomera's
position as the leader in this field. Since launching the first
commercial broadband Internet service onboard a train in 2003, Icomera
has continued to innovate and offer train operators and their customers
a comprehensive wireless Internet solution. I'm delighted that SJ,
a train operator that focuses on delivering pioneering new services
to their customers, has selected the Icomera solution and is now
able to benefit from the increased bandwidth that the 3G service
brings."
Jan Forsberg,
CEO of SJ, commented: "In awarding the tender, we were
very impressed with Icomera's system and expertise in onboard wireless
Internet solutions. The new Internet service will not only improve
the SJ customer experience on our X2000 fleet but will be an integrated
part of our commuter service offering on our new X40 fleet, to be
introduced during 2005."
Icomera's Wireless
Onboard Internet solution utilizes mobile networks and satellite
technology to provide passengers and train personnel with high-speed
and reliable Internet connectivity while onboard. The company provides
train operators with a complete end-to-end service, from the provision
of the technology and installation to negotiation with mobile operators
and consultancy on certification and regulatory issues. Icomera
is committed to investing in new technologies to ensure that the
Wi-Fi user on-train experience improves year on year, as has been
seen in traditional Internet bandwidth development. Further developments
will be announced in the first half of 2005.