Grand Central Chooses Icomera for Train WiFi
June 7th, 2007, York United Kingdom, Gothenburg Sweden
Rail passengers travelling between Sunderland and London will soon be able to stay online throughout their journey thanks to a deal between Grand Central Railways and leading on-train internet provider Icomera. As part of the refurbishment of the HST train fleet being supplied by sister company Sovereign Trains, Grand Central will be equipping all carriages with Icomera’s Wireless Onboard Internet™ solution.
Grand Central’s Managing Director, Ian Yeowart said: “Being able to access the internet throughout their journeys means that both our business and leisure passengers will enjoy a more productive and enjoyable travel experience. Icomera’s track-record in delivery of onboard WiFi services convinced us that it can add huge value to our business both from a passenger and operations perspective.”
Icomera will provide Grand Central with a complete on-train internet solution, including all hardware, software, communications and support services. The solution is able to use terrestrial cellular and wireless networks to deliver an always-on connection to Grand Central’s passengers. The onboard service will be accessed via a Grand Central branded portal and the train operator will retain full control over the pricing and content of the service. Icomera will deliver the service via its 100% owned UK subsidiary.
Peter Kingsland, Managing Director of Icomera UK, said: “We look forward to working with Grand Central and Sovereign Trains over the coming years in helping them to deliver on their long-term vision for enhanced rail passenger services. Passenger internet access and real-time fleet mapping are the first demonstrations of this but other applications will quickly follow.”
Onboard internet access will be available on all of Grand Central’s services between Sunderland and London Kings Cross when the train operator begins daily operations in September 2007.
About Icomera UK
Icomera UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gothenburg-based Icomera AB, the world’s biggest provider of on-train internet communications services. Icomera’s systems are in daily operation on 120+ intercity and commuter trains in the UK and Sweden, supporting passenger internet services and real-time operational and business applications. Icomera also supplies internet access systems and online applications to the road transport and marine industries.
About Grand Central Railways
Formed in 2000, Grand Central was established to win the right to provide open access rail services from the north of England to London. In 2006 it was awarded final approval, allowing it to operate services from Sunderland and Hartlepool to Kings Cross. Grand Central aims to deliver a high quality, affordable and accessible train service to communities across the North of England.
Press Contacts
Icomera UK
Tel: 01844 860799
Grand Central
Tel: 01904 633307