The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which manages an 8,500-kilometre national rail freight network, has awarded a 10-year telecomms contract to Telstra.
The “multi-million dollar” deal will support the supply, maintenance and enhancement of the network’s National Train Communications System (NTCS).
In December 2014, ARTC switched from its existing analogue system to the in-cab NTCS, creating a single network for train control, trackside workers and wayside equipment.
ARTC chief executive John Fullerton said: “The Telstra-based NTCS will provide a platform for many of the new and exciting innovations being developed by ARTC.
“Using the Telstra NextG network, applications such as safe travelling distance technology (proximity alerting), real-time locomotive tracking, sophisticated track and wayside monitoring technology, situational awareness systems and the next generation of train management – the Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) – all become possible.”
