Eurostar Awards On-board Wi-Fi Connectivity and Infotainment Contract to Nomad Digital Ltd.

LONDON, September 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Eurostar, the high speed rail service between UK and mainland Europe, has awarded NOMAD Digital Ltd ('NOMAD'), the specialist provider of connectivity solutions to the rail industry, the contracts to supply on-board Wi-Fi connectivity and state-of-the-art infotainment for its existing fleet of high speed trains. This follows a rigorous, competitive procurement process in which NOMAD emerged as the clear winner.

Over the next three years, Eurostar is making a £700 million investment in its fleet. This includes the complete overhaul and refurbishment of the existing fleet as well as the purchase of 10 new e320 train sets from Siemens. This programme of investment will ensure that Eurostar will be able to expand its operations and provide its passengers with the best possible travel experience and service in a competitive environment across its entire fleet.

When the Eurostar refurbished trains and the new e320 trains come into operation in 2013 and 2014 respectively, customers will have access to high speed broadband internet on board. Passengers will also be able to view and/or download pre-loaded entertainment/infotainment to their own devices via a Secure Wireless LAN. The quality of the NOMAD technology is such that passengers will enjoy a high speed connection to the internet at all times throughout their journey, a seamless switchover at international borders and connectivity wherever the customer is seated and whenever it is required.

In addition to providing connectivity solutions and infotainment the contracts will also cover the provision of spares and maintenance (for 5 years) as well as monitoring and multilingual service support to customers.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director at Eurostar, said: "We are very pleased to be working with NOMAD and are confident that their Wi-Fi and infotainment solutions will significantly enhance the on-board travel experience and deliver our customers a high quality broadband service. Access to a high speed internet and quality infotainment is increasingly important to passengers and will ensure that whether they are travelling for business or leisure, they get the most out of their journey. In a world of on-rail competition providing the optimal digital experience will be key to our success."

Alexander Eriksen, CEO at NOMAD said: "We are delighted to have been selected for provision of the wifi and infotainment solution for the Eurostar fleet. This contract is very strategic to NOMAD representing its entry into both the high speed rail and French markets. We look forward to working with such a prestigious company as Eurostar and delivering a high quality broadband experience to its customers."

For more information and to find Eurostar deals such as cheap Eurostar tickets, interested parties can visit http://www.eurostar.com.

About Eurostar:

Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Avignon and the French Alps. The company also offers a London Paris train, Disneyland Paris packages and Amsterdam city breaks.

Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 115 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.

Eurostar is the Official International Rail Service Provider for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK 

PR Contact:
Aude Criqui
Senior Press Officer
Eurostar Press Office
Times House
Regent Quarter
Bravingtons Walk
London
N1 9AW
+44(0)20 7843 5405
http://www.eurostar.com