Icomera has partnered with Northern to launch the train operator’s first fully-refurbished digital train.
Working with Northern’s other third party solution providers, Icomera is providing the core connectivity platform; the platform provides onboard connectivity from which a full suite of business-critical operational and security services are hosted, as well as delivering customer Wi-Fi to the vehicles.
The platform roll-out has already begun, with full installation of Northern’s 243 refurbished trains expected to be complete by 2020. The vehicles will operate throughout the Northern network in the UK, connecting regional hubs including Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle. From the initial system design and configuration, through to the commissioning process, and providing both remote and onsite ongoing support, Icomera is playing a pivotal role throughout.
Working as network integrators, Icomera has designed the system architecture to support the needs of Northern’s third party solution providers, and to mitigate cybersecurity risks through secure network design. Running on Icomera’s X6i multi-radio and applications router, the platform provides connectivity for a whole host of onboard services including CCTV, passenger counting, seat reservation indicators, media displays and energy metering. As part of the project, Icomera has also supplied a secure wireless bridging solution, enabling the onboard network to be extended when trains are coupled together, and working in collaboration with Northern’s team of designers to ensure that the installation position on each different fleet of trains will continue to support this wireless bridging in the future.
Dave Palmer, Managing Director of Icomera UK, said: “As experts in delivering onboard connected services, Icomera is delighted to be playing such a key role in the most fully realised example of the digital train to date. Now, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Northern to help guide, train and support their team as they migrate to a fully digital fleet.”
Ben Ackroyd, Engineering Director at Northern, said: “We have promised our customers fully refurbished trains with modern facilities and I am really proud to see the first unit out on the network. I am grateful to Icomera and our other partners who continue to work hard to help deliver this project.”
About Icomera
Icomera, a wholly owned subsidiary of ENGIE Ineo, is the world’s leading provider of open Internet connectivity and application platforms for passenger transport and public safety. Its award-winning products are deployed on rail, road and sea, serving millions of Wi-Fi users every week across the globe and providing high-speed access for fleet tracking and mission-critical onboard systems. Icomera is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. www.icomera.com
About ENGIE Ineo
As a creator of solutions for connected urban areas and neighbourhoods (electrical solutions, communications and information systems), ENGIE Ineo has more than 15,000 employees working to meet the needs of a changing world. In 2017, it reported revenues of €2.4 billion.
With a network of 300 facilities in France and abroad, ENGIE Ineo’s teams innovate to support their customers in the energy and digital transition. They support them in transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructures projects, service sector and industrial projects, as well as security and defence projects. From design through to production, maintenance and operation, ENGIE Ineo’s experts imagine and anticipate tomorrow’s needs by developing solutions combining technical and cost-effective performance. ENGIE Ineo is part of the ENGIE Group, one of the leading energy companies worldwide.
In the UK, ENGIE is a leading energy and services company focused on three key activities: production and supply of energy, facilities management and regeneration. 17,000 UK employees combine these capabilities for the benefit of individuals, businesses and communities throughout the UK & Ireland. www.engie.co.uk
About Northern
Northern plays a vital role in the north of England by connecting tens of thousands of people to work, leisure, education and more every day. Northern is part of the Arriva group, one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe. Arriva employs more than 60,000 people and delivers over 2 billion passenger journeys across 14 European countries each year. Arriva is part of Deutsche Bahn (DB) and is responsible for DB’s regional passenger transport services outside Germany. www.northernrailway.co.uk
