German infrastructure provider DB Netz has appointed Nokia to operate the communications network for Berlin's suburban railway system.
S-Bahn Berlin is a rapid transit railway system that comprises 15 lines, with nearly 170 train stations.
The 330km-long regional network runs around Berlin mostly above ground, serving more than 400 million passengers a year.
Under the multi-year agreement, Nokia will deliver managed services for S-Bahn Berlin's internet protocol/multi-protocol label switching (IP/MPLS) network.
S-Bahn Berlin project leader Oliver Weiss said: "Being on-time and having reliable transport is what passengers are expecting from metropolitan railways.
"Nokia is in the position to provide an important contribution by maintaining and operating the IP/MPLS network, which is hosting our applications with great accuracy and the shortest possible reaction times."
The deal also covers management for incidents, problems and performance, as well as advanced technical support, service desk and field services dispatching.
Nokia managed services market lead Stefan Künzler said: "Safety, security and efficiency are paramount concerns for railway operators."
Image: Berlin Friedrichstrasse railway station is crossing point for the Stadtbahn and the Nord-Süd-Tunnel routes of the Berlin S-Bahn. Photo: courtesy of holger doelle.
