Under the agreement, Telstra’s Next G network will be used by the ARTC to replace nine separate communications systems across 10,000 kilometres of track.
It will be used to replace a series of older technologies, like two-way radio and CDMA devices. It will also provide mobile coverage for the company – and for travellers – for the interstate rail network, from Brisbane to Perth (via Melbourne and Broken Hill) and in the Hunter Valley.
The agreement improves coverage in tunnels and across the Nullarbor, and will see the introduction of new communications equipment for more than 700 locomotives, backed up with satellite if necessary.
ARTC chief executive David Marchant, said once completed, all trains and train controllers would be able to use the one system to communicate with each other across the entire national rail network.
“A single national communication system will greatly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with managing multiple platforms,” Mr Marchant said.
“This national rail network communications backbone will be the envy of the North American and European rail networks. ARTC’s approach is to contract our communications delivery, which in itself is a major shift for the rail industry.
“ARTC has chosen Telstra because its Next G™ network provides depth and breadth of high speed coverage coupled with reliable performance – a framework for continuous updating and improvement,” Mr Marchant said.
Telstra chief executive Sol Trujillo said the ARTC decision was a strong endorsement of the Next G technology.
“Not only does today's agreement provide the best possible communications system for ARTC's national rail network, it also provides Next G mobile coverage for the first time in some remote and regional towns such as Rawlinna (in WA), Cook and Nackara (SA), and Loadstone and Telegraph Point (NSW)."
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