Iridium Communications, a global leader in voice and data satellite communications, announced that Satcom Direct Brasil, a provider of critical telecommunications services, and MRS Logística S.A., a freight train operator, have introduced Iridium Certus satellite connectivity to Brazil's railway network for the first time.
The Iridium Certus 700 service will facilitate real-time communication between train operators and operation centers, enhancing the speed and safety of logistical processes.
Seamless Connectivity for Railways: The Power of Iridium Certus 700
Railway operation centers oversee the movement of all locomotives, making continuous communication with train drivers vital for efficient management. Any disruption in communication can lead to rail blockages or accidents. By leveraging Iridium Certus, MRS Logística's locomotives gain access to a dependable data channel for real-time exchange of critical rail traffic control information. This ensures accurate train location management, enhancing both efficiency and safety.
Iridium partner Satcom Direct Brasil has equipped MRS Logística's locomotives with the Iridium Certus Connected Thales MissionLINK 700 system. Designed for durability and reliability in demanding railway environments, this robust equipment delivers secure connectivity at speeds of up to 704 Kbps.
It integrates with the locomotive's onboard computer and other critical devices for rail traffic management. This advancement significantly enhances operations, enabling more trains to run, increasing trip frequency, and reducing accidents. Satcom Direct Brasil also provides round-the-clock support, ensuring efficient real-time connectivity via Iridium's truly global satellite network.
"With Iridium Certus, MRS Logística can reduce the distance between trains and monitor exactly where each train is. This represents a significant operational gain both in efficiency in the volume of cargo transported and in safety thanks to precise monitoring that allows more trains to operate. It is an innovative and essential service for our operations," said Fernando Martins Manzotti, railway specialist, telecommunications systems, MRS Logística.
Iridium Certus and Thales MissionLINK: Revolutionizing Train Operations in Brazil
The MRS train network plays a critical role in Brazil's economy, handling nearly 20% of the country’s exports and one-third of its railway cargo. Reliable communication between operators and moving trains is essential for safe and efficient operations. After extensive testing, Iridium proved superior to competitors, offering better coverage and connectivity through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and weather-resilient L-band service.
"With security and innovation at the forefront, MRS continues to be a leader in exploring the latest technologies and deploying the best technical solutions for critical railway operations," said Josh Miner, vice president of land mobile, Iridium. "With Iridium, MRS can confidently enable positive train control, interoperability, and interconnectivity on every train and track."
The Thales MissionLINK 700 provides robust and reliable connectivity for trains and locomotives, regardless of location. Along with enabling secure train control, it supports additional features such as internet access, telemetry for improved train maintenance, Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP), and voice calls, ensuring direct communication with drivers during critical moments.
The durable, low-profile Thales MissionLINK terminals, powered by Iridium Certus, seamlessly switch between satellite and cellular connectivity, optimizing availability and cost efficiency.
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