Nokia selected to modernise rail communications in Perth

Nokia has been selected by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) to design, build and maintain a next-generation railway communication system over the next decade in Perth.

The METRONET infrastructure and public transport program is the long-term blueprint for Perth’s future. As a critical element of the METRONET program and as part of the agreement, more than 160 LTE/4.9G radio sites will be built to modernise the railway communication system that includes additional METRONET track and tunnels with a total of 250 km of railway. The solution will be based on Nokia private 4.9G/LTE mission-critical IP/MPLS, Data Center Fabric and microwave backhaul solutions, to support a communications-based train control (CBTC) high-capacity signalling system for greater accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional signalling systems.

Nokia’s solution will be used to upgrade the current PTA’s narrowband rail radio systems, replacing the existing analog technology with a high-tech 4.9G/LTE digital platform which is necessary for more reliable mission-critical voice, high-speed data and video services. The Radio System Replacement project is subjected to the Critical Infrastructure Act 2021, with scope to include a full cybersecurity fabric across all solution elements.

“We are thrilled to partner with PTA for this prestigious project to design, build and maintain the next-generation railway communications network,” said Rob McCabe, Head of Enterprise for Oceania at Nokia. “Powered by Nokia’s private wireless network solution, the new railway communication system will help enhance the accuracy of the system, leading to improved experience and safety. Nokia is at the forefront of supporting railway networks accelerate digital transformation for more efficient operations while delivering greater value to the passengers.”

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