RZD subsidiary launches paid high-speed Internet on first train
MOSCOW. Nov 26 (Interfax) - OJSC Russian Railways (RZD) subsidiary OJSC Federal Passenger Company (FPC) has launched paid high-speed Internet services on its first long-distance train.
"Wireless Internet access services have appeared on the N5/6 Moscow to Astrakhan passenger train. The service is available to all users of devices that support Wi-Fi technology. In order to get a sustainable signal on the maximum length of the route, a '3G+satellite' combined communications system is being used, which is installed in the staff car," RZD said in a press release.
The project is being implemented with satellite operator Stec.Com. "Other operators will also prepare to transition to the commercial stage of implementing projects on several trains in the near future, particularly the N9/10 Moscow to Samara," the press release said.
RZD previously announced plans to equip 11 trains running from Moscow to Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Samara, Astrakhan and Nizhny Novgorod, as well as between St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod, with high-speed Wi-Fi "in testing ground mode." It plans to organize Wi-Fi zones for passengers within the train, allowing them to get access with various devices. During testing, RZD is using combined satellite and 3G. If the satellite signal cuts out, the complex transfers to 3G, and vice versa.
In addition, starting on August 6, RZD and OJSC MegaFon started offering Internet access through 3G/Wi-Fi routers on the following trains: N59 Nizhny Novgorod to St. Petersburg, N153 Nizhny Novgorod to Moscow, N167 St. Petersburg to Moscow and N32 Moscow to Helsinki. Now one of each type of railcar - luxury, sleep car, compartment, economy class, seated and restaurant car - is equipped with routers in test mode.