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.

"Being on-time and having reliable transport is what passengers are expecting from metropolitan railways."

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."

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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.

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