Wireless first time for Virgin

Qinetiq Rail is trialling its multi-bearer Connected Carriage wireless Internet system on an operational Pendolino train operated by Virgin Rail.

The Connected Carriage system combines multiple Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies including bi-directional satellite and WiMAX. The specification delivered to Virgin Trains combines WiMAX, satellite, Wi-Fi and cellular which can provide national coverage to a moving train with a continuous high-speed connection at up to 49 megabytes per second (MBPS).

The trial is taking place on the West Coast Mainline, one of two long distance rail franchises operated by Virgin Trains in the UK. Virgin Trains has issued an Invitation to Tender with a view to introducing a wireless Internet service on all its 131 Pendolino and Voyager/Super Voyager trains.

The Connected Carriage system comprises on-train components, train-to-shore links and back-office systems hosted in Qinetiq Rail’s Network Operations Centre. The system also incorporates Qinetiq Rail’s wireless security system enabling integration with existing onboard systems.