THE Channel Tunnel is currently being equipped with GSM-R digital radio under a contract awarded to Alcatel-Lucent in December 2009 and the project should be completed by 2013-14. In order to increase interoperability and control costs, Eurotunnel has awarded a Euros 11m contract to French Rail Network (RFF) to share the network and fixed terminal services and to maintain the system up to 2025.
THE Channel Tunnel is currently being equipped with GSM-R digital radio under a contract awarded to Alcatel-Lucent in December 2009 and the project should be completed by 2013-14. In order to increase interoperability and control costs, Eurotunnel has awarded a Euros 11m contract to French Rail Network (RFF) to share the network and fixed terminal services and to maintain the system up to 2025.
Eurotunnel was concerned that it did not have sufficient in-house expertise in GSM-R while at the same time it is trying to encourage greater use of the Channel Tunnel by making it more interoperable with its neighbouring railways in France and Britain, both of which already use GSM-R.
"This collaboration between infrastructure managers, especially in an area that is so strategic in terms of safety as the communication between track and train, is a new step towards greater harmonisation in European railway transport," says Hubert du Mesnil, chairman and CEO of RFF.