Skip to main content

First trial of 4G LTE technology in a mass transit system

French public transport operator Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) and Nokia have successfully completed the first trial of 4G LTE technology on a portion of the Paris Metro line 14. According to RATP, the trial demonstrated that a single 4G LTE network can be used for all operational train communications, which are currently supported by different channels – a mixture of wi-fi, digital radio and 3G/4G networks. The test demonstrated that a single LTE mobile network can replace tradition
August 9, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
French public transport operator Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (4223 RATP) and Nokia have successfully completed the first trial of 4G LTE technology on a portion of the Paris Metro line 14.

According to RATP, the trial demonstrated that a single 4G LTE network can be used for all operational train communications, which are currently supported by different channels – a mixture of wi-fi, digital radio and 3G/4G networks.

The test demonstrated that a single LTE mobile network can replace traditional wi-fi networks and manage data transmissions from multiple applications simultaneously, including a simulation of train control (CBTC simulation based on pre-recorded real data). It also included video on trains and platforms; operational voice communications; multimedia passenger information on trains and platforms; and maintenance and supervision services.

This trial marks a significant contribution to start of the standardisation process required before any operational rollout of 4G LTE technology in transport systems and associated customer services.

The trial was carried out under the R&D SYSTUF (SYStème Télécom pour les Transports Urbains du Futur) project, which aims to demonstrate that it is possible to use a single telecommunication technology, such as LTE, that is able to meet both critical and non-critical applications of future public transport systems.

Related Content

  • October 31, 2014
    Wi-Fi win-win for mass transit
    David Crawford explores passenger and operator benefits of on-board Wi-Fi Urban commuters’ growing demand for continuous – and reliable - internet connectivity is spurring network operators into the rapid installation of high-grade Wi-Fi access on their surface and underground networks, as well as in their stations. Such moves are often a key part of strategies to maintain and increase ridership levels.
  • October 25, 2024
    Huawei develops the next generation of wireless communications
    Huawei has developed and already deployed high-integrity and richly featured cellular communications solutions for the railway sector which are based on the new FRMCS standard and 4-5G technology
  • March 23, 2012
    Paris metro world first inaugurated today
    Pierre Mongin, chairman and CEO of RATP has today inaugurated the commissioning of the first automatic trains on Line 1 of the Paris metro in the presence of Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, minister for ecology, sustainable development, transportation and housing and Jean-Paul Huchon, president of the regional council of Île-de-France.
  • April 12, 2018
    GMV renews video surveillance system on Barcelona’s metro network
    Barcelona Metropolitan Transport (TMB) has selected GMV to upgrade the on-board video surveillance system on 149 metro trains to improve communication across the city’s metro network. The uniform video-surveillance system will run on lines L1-L5 and L11 of the city’s metro network. For the project, 300 video recorders will be supplied along with 300 communication nodes, 600 antennae, 760 video coders, 740 Ethernet switches and 540 IP cameras. The system will also be integrated with existing CCTV system