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| This connection is made through a tracking antenna located on the train itself. This innovative satellite-tracking antenna design includes specially developed software that maintains a link with the host satellite even while travelling at high speed and for long distances. |
The system includes onboard video servers, providing news, weather reports and even films; all streamed straight to a passengers' laptop.
| "Everyone is eager to begin accessing the Internet onboard trains," explains Mr Fermin Alvarez Lopez of ESA Telecom. 21Net's technology is certainly making this become a reality. And the collaboration between all involved is clearly a strength of the project." |
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"This quickly emerging need to access Internet while on the move requires flexible solutions. Having access to e-Mail or Web-browsing at both reasonable speeds and costs enormously improves what is called 'the travel experience'. Putting industry, service providers, train operators and of course passengers in a win-win situation," states Mr Alvarez Lopez. |
Beyond this pilot project ESA is interested in actively promoting a European wide initiative to facilitate the uptake and subsequent consolidation of broadband Internet to trains opportunity. In this respect, ESA is coordinating a forum of train operators to promote pan-European solutions.
To read more about 21Net's project 'Broadband to Trains' just click on the links provided on the right of this page.
All images ESA - Philippe Sebirot
