The consortium commissioned 48 base stations in December, which cover a total of 285km of lines in the around Maubeuge in the department Nord and in the eastern department of Doubs.

The €1bn 15-year contract was awarded in February 2010 and covers the replacement of 35 separate radio systems which currently cover the network.

Synerail comprises Vinci (30%), SFR (30%), AXA Private Equity (30%), and TDF (10%), with additional financing provided by a group of banks headed by Credit Agricole.