Netherlands based ProRail Taps Nokia for Managed Services

Nokia is all set to provide operational and managed services for ProRail’s GSM-Railway (GSM-R) voice and data communications network in the Netherlands.

Over a 10-year period, Nokia will provide an extensive portfolio of managed services that includes operational governance, network operations and fulfilment, as well as support services across capacity planning, change management, optimization and field services.

Nokia will operate and maintain the GSM-R network including radio planning, capacity management, management of third-party maintenance contracts, and network extensions, updates and upgrade projects.

Arjen Boersma, Chief Information Officer ProRail, said: “This agreement represents a major step forward in our long-standing relationship with Nokia on GSM-R. It creates the platform for long-term system performance and operational efficiency, as well as paving the way for migration to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).”

Emmanuelle Pierrard, Head of Nokia Enterprise Benelux, said: “We are excited to partner with ProRail on this prestigious contract as it plans for the future of rail in the Netherlands. Increases in passenger and freight traffic will require smart and sustainable solutions and we are eager to play our part in helping ProRail achieve its goals.”

The delivery team of network planning and monitoring specialists will be based at Nokia’s Hoofddorp offices in the Netherlands, as well as Nokia’s Network Operations Center in Romania. This combined delivery approach gives ProRail access to Nokia’s extensive pool of domain expertise and knowledge.

Friedrich Trawoeger, Vice President Nokia Cloud and Cognitive Services, said: “Our managed services capabilities combine deep customer understanding, strong focus on value creation and world-class delivery capability. Throughout this contract, Nokia will apply its deep knowledge and understanding of both GSM-R systems and FRMCS.”

Nokia has begun a two-year transition period from the current operator in order to begin operations in September 2022.

Nokia will draw upon its significant track record in GSM-R deployment and managed services. Nokia is a world leader in GSM-R, with extensive experience providing GSM-R systems to rail operators in 22 countries covering 109,000km of track.

Nokia is at the forefront of FRMCS development and deployment, working with a number of European rail operators as they make their transition to the new standard. Nokia also provides networking, cybersecurity, IoT and analytics solutions to more than 120 operators for both mainline and metro rail. In addition, Nokia has experience in delivery of major managed services contracts for leading rail sector customers that include ADIF and S-Bahn.