NSN to supply GSM-R network to Turkish Railways

Turkish State Railways, T.C. Devlet Demiryolları (TCDD), is working with Nokia Siemens Networks and Thales Spain to upgrade its Global System for Mobile Communications- Railway (GSM-R) infrastructure for the rail line between Eskisehir and Ankara.

Nokia Siemens Networks will supply a GSM-R network that provides reliable voice communication between staff on the train and the operation center.

'On-board digital radio signaling and diagnosis systems' from Thales will provide additional advanced operational features such as reporting and monitoring of the exact position and travel direction of trains.

This feature is expected to enable an increase in the frequency of train services on Turkey's first high-speed line which was designed for speeds of up to 250 km/h. The radio network will be built with 'geo-redundant' features to help ensure uninterrupted voice communication and signaling, increasing the reliability of the system.

"This project also underlines our global leadership in the GSM-R market where we already have 55% share in terms of number of commercial networks and length of operated GSM-R lines, and further strengthens our co-operation with Thales and TCDD lines," said Murat Kırçuval, head of customer team and country director at Nokia Siemens Networks Turkey.

"Nokia Siemens Networks' GSM-R upgrade will help TCDD ensure greater safety for passengers travelling on the Eskisehir-Ankara route," said Ferit Peremeci, CEO of Thales Spain, Turkey Branch. "Apart from that, the travel time on this route will also be shortened to a great degree, offering travelers a superior experience".

The company is providing its GSM-R radio network equipment, including BS 240 base stations and base station controllers. In addition, it is also supplying Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) transmission equipment and Transport Network Management System (TNMS).