The ARA has made a submission to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) consultation regarding satellite direct-to-mobile services, which could help support our industry’s telecommunications potentially providing improved coverage in remote areas, as well as providing passengers with improved telecommunications services such as wifi.
Our submission highlights the potential for this technology to enable improved interoperability between railway operators and, together with the improved communications performance in regional and remote locations, as well as driving efficiency in the delivery and support/maintenance of train communications systems.
The capability for mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, without specialised equipment, is here already – primarily for emergency and SOS communication.
But that capability is set to grow with satellite direct-to-mobile services expected to provide text, voice, data, and IoT connectivity to mobile phones and modems that are installed trackside, and on most passenger and freight trains in Australia.
The submission was made through the cross-industry Telecommunications Committee managed by ARA, and overseen by the Passenger Operators Executive Committee.
It states: “The ARA welcomes improved access to voice and data networks using standard 3GPP-based equipment that is anticipated from satellite direct-to-mobile services. This is a development that is expected to provide cost-effective support (especially in remote and low population areas) and benefit the Australian rail industry to meet its obligations under Rail Safety National Law and deliver value to Australian citizens and industry. “
POEC is made up of senior leaders from passenger operators from across the country. It promotes collaboration among its members to improve operational efficiency and productivity outcomes and identifies important opportunities for advocacy. The Telecommunications Committee supports interoperability, improved functionality and increased delivery efficiency of railway communications.
You can read the full submission here.