Nomad Digital has secured its largest ever contract to provide broadband services to NS Intercity trains in the Netherlands.

In one of the biggest such contracts ever awarded, Nomad, working with T-Mobile, will provide passenger information services and passenger WiFi services, as well as design, operate and maintain the underlying ICT infrastructure on NS trains.

This five-year contract – with an option for a further five years – will initially see services deployed on 187 intercity trains and eventually 365 making approximately 600,000 journeys every day.

At the heart of the solution is the Nomad R3500 mobile broadband gateway which will provide seamless connectivity across multiple 3G networks. The modular design of the R3500 will enable NS to utilise emerging networks whilst its scalability will provide a platform for further NS on-board applications such as CCTV, passenger counting and other applications aimed at reducing operational costs.

Passenger Information services will include provision of real-time train arrival and connection information from on-board monitors and automated PA. The WiFi service will initially be free of charge to stimulate usage.

Jacques Huberts, chief executive NS passenger division, said: “Our customers require accurate travel information in the right place. We have learnt from customer research that on-board internet would be highly appreciated. We are happy to announce that, together with our partners T-Mobile and Nomad Digital, we can meet this need.’’

Nigel Wallbridge, Nomad founder and executive chairman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this contract. NS is one of the most progressive train operators in the world and we are delighted to be working with them on such a forward looking communications network. This is one of the biggest contracts ever awarded for internet-based passenger services and, not surprisingly, competition was fierce.

This significant contract award follows on from the recent “go live” announcements of Nomad services on Norwegian Railways and the Dubai Metro, as well as the extension of Nomad WiFi to additional Virgin routes in the UK.