Nokia Siemens Networks passes fourth set of GSM-R interoperability, compliance tests

Espoo, Finland

Underlines position as world-leading expert, driver of seamless interoperability in railway communications

Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully completed the fourth set of interoperability testing of its GSM-Railway* (GSM-R) infrastructure with another European supplier against requirements specified by the European Union (EU). Railways choosing Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM-R solution can rely on full compliance with EU directives and technical specifications.

The EU has mandated interoperability of the GSM-R system in its “Technical Specification for Interoperability of the Control, Command and Signaling Subsystem” (CCS TSI) which, in addition to GSM-R, encompasses the European Train Control System (ETCS)**. GSM-R interoperability tests have been in place since 2002, and multivendor configurations have been validated in order to give railways access to a more competitive supplier market.

This approach has led to outstanding success: Although GSM-R is a complex system, interconnected GSM-R networks and multivendor GSM-R configurations work without any interoperability problems. Equipment and software that do not pass the extensive tests will not be able to deliver this high standard of quality.

Having again passed the interoperability tests, Nokia Siemens Networks confirms its position as driver for interoperability and standardization in the railway communication sector. Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM-R equipment meets the high expectations of railway operators while reducing operational costs and providing additional differentiation potential to the transportation market.

“Interoperability and standardization within the EU makes the railway sector more attractive for both passengers and freight transporters,” says Dirk Lewandowski, head of Railways Solutions at Nokia Siemens Networks. “The project underlines our global leadership role in building strong, interoperable railway communications network across the world and it strengthens our position as a leading mobile infrastructure provider. With our GSM-R solution, railway operators can rely on up-to-date railway communications for voice and data – cost-efficiently, with full interoperability, for more safety.”

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About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 120 countries and had net sales of approximately 13.4 billion euros in 2012. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com



Notes
* Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) is a proven digital platform that is now the standard for railway-specific voice and data operational services in five continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America.

Nokia Siemens Networks has deployed 29 GSM-R networks in 21 countries serving 50,000 km of railways, making it the number one GSM-R vendor in both number of commercial networks and length of operated GSM-R lines. The company’s GSM-R networks serve railways in Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Libya, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey.

** ETCS is a signaling, control and train protection system designed to replace the many incompatible safety systems currently used by European railways, especially on high-speed lines.