Funkwerk receives order from telecommunications group KPN

Kölleda, 4 March 2015 -Funkwerk AG, Kölleda, has been commissioned by the leading Dutch telecommunications group Royal KPN N.V. with the renewal of digital train radio systems for the Dutch state railway. In the first stage, almost 1,400 systems will be supplied to NS Reizigers, the division of the Dutch railway responsible for domestic passenger transport. As general contractor, KPN is responsible for the complete project management, the training of NS Reizigers personnel and the maintenance of the train radio systems.

For the order, which is to be completed in a record time of 15 months, the Funkwerk Traffic & Control Communication division based in Kölleda/Thuringia will develop, manufacture, certify and supply customised systems. In addition, the order includes training of service personnel in the railway depots and a repair service for 8 years with an extension option.

With this project, Funkwerk AG is further expanding its leading international market position in the field of GSM-R train radio systems and once again demonstrating its outstanding technological expertise. A special innovative feature of the devices is a special filter that shields the communication in the train from all radio interference from the public radio networks (so-called blocking). Funkwerk has integrated this new, specially developed filter technology into the GSM-R transmitter and receiver module „MT5E“ and optimised the software to such an extent that all parameters meet or exceed the strict requirements of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The module is being used in large numbers for the first time in this project.

„We welcome the initiative of the Dutch government,“ says Kerstin Schreiber, CEO of Funkwerk AG, „which supports the use of these special filters for the first time worldwide. NS Reizigers is thus not only taking a pioneering role, but also significantly increasing the safety of communication in rail transport. Together with the Dutch railway company and KPN as very competent partners, we are sure that we will be able to realise the optimum in technology, professionalism and service in this innovative project.“

In order to maximise the efficiency of the exchange with the train radio systems currently used in the trains, Funkwerk combines the central unit, the control unit and the loudspeakers in a compact system and adapts it mechanically to the installation environment. Once again, the Thuringian company is demonstrating its high level of expertise in the management, development, production and certification process, which, in addition to the shielding function, was a decisive factor in the tendering process.