The Middle East has set aside $250bn for rail projects, with the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia being allocated the largest budgets. According to the National Transport Authority (NTA), the UAE is investing more than $22.41bn railway projects including the Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Metro, Abu Dhabi Light Rail, Dubai Metro and Al Sufouh Tramway.
The Dubai Metro, launched in 2009, was the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula, while the upcoming Al Sufouh tramway will start operating in November 2014. Dubai Metro’s wireless connectivity has been set for upgrade in order to achieve a major improvement in services and enhance the efficiency of the metro’s wireless network.
The future of railway wireless networks in the Middle East will depend on the deployment of fourth generation or 4G technology capabilities. These advanced systems, based on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology, will allow the railway wireless network to be integrated into a single communication infrastructure.
Wireless networks based on 4G can enhance passenger experience on high-speed trains by providing both broadband Internet and mobile phone coverage, and enabling video calls to homes and offices through wireless and mobile networks.
When travelling, passengers expect their wireless devices to function reliably and properly, no matter where their journey takes them. At times, it can be hard to get a strong enough signal in your own home — much less on a moving object!
Railway operators must overcome several unique obstacles that threaten reliable wireless service. These include:
- Train speed: High-speed trains force rapid signal handovers between cell sites, threatening continuous connectivity from cell to cell
- Limited capacity: When entering a macro cell, especially in urban areas, stationary passengers must share capacity with those in transit
- Train construction: Thick metal windows prevent signal penetration, increasing the chance of lost or dropped calls
- Difficult terrain: Track location can add complexity to the RF signal path
However, technologies like Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) can seamlessly coordinate the complexity of these challenges, by fully enabling in-train wireless access. This enables passengers to communicate freely via the devices they prefer. At the same time, safety personnel and fleet staff can become more responsive.
With comprehensive in-train coverage solutions, passengers can have an optimised experience during transit for both cellular and Wi-Fi. Rail operational coverage with public safety/GSM-R solutions can help keep passengers and train personnel safe.
With the Middle East region still in early stages of the railway network development, it is important for railway operators to ensure they implement, from the onset, the necessary wireless infrastructure that will be able to cater for future growing demand.
Moreover, wireless service providers can add more users to their network and generate more revenue, while train operators can gain a competitive advantage over other forms of travel.