Nomad Digital wins contract to provide WiFi for ‘next generation’ trains in Netherlands

Alstom-owned train wifi business Nomad Digital has won a contract to deploy passenger WiFi across a new fleet of trains being built for use in Europe.

Newcastle-based Nomad is working with parent company Alstom to deploy its tech across the new 79-strong Intercity Next Generation (ICNG) fleet.

As well as providing WiFi for the trains, Nomad will also provide an “infotainment” platform, which delivers up-to-date journey and services information.

Jean-Philippe Tissot, Nomad Digital global sales and marketing director, commented: “This is a truly integrated solution for the customer which provides them with a connectivity platform to build on and develop over time to ensure their passengers get the very best experience.

“The partners – Nomad, NS and Alstom – will collaborate closely to significantly enhance the operator’s value-proposition and the passenger experience.”

Both Alstom and Nomad have worked with NS for some time. In February 2016, Nomad signed a deal to provide Netherlands’ busiest trains with on-board WiFi. The deal saw NS extend its relationship with Nomad for an additional five years.

Alstom won the contract to build the trains for the Netherlands company in July 2016.

Last year, the firm said 2016 was a “difficult year”, with turnover declining 22% from £42.6m to £33.1m in the year ended June 30, 2016, predominantly down to delays in the closing of contracts with new customers.

The delays also led to a widening of operating losses, from £1.1m in 2015 to £6.96m, and an EBITDA loss of £4.1m, down from an EBITDA profit of £1.1m. Despite expressing disappointment at the figures, the firm said it notched up some strong deals in the accounts year, and that while revenues couldn’t be recognised in the accounts period, they would steer the firm to growth in the current financial year.

Recent contract wins include the signing of a five-year extension with Canada’s national rail operator, VIA Rail, for the delivery of its wifi, media and entertainment platform, as well as a deal with international train builder Stadler to supply a passenger wifi and infotainment solution for high-speed trains being built for the Swiss state rail operator SBB.

This also included the introduction of BEAM, an on-demand video service it worked on with GoMedia.

The Dutch contract is the second Newcastle-headquartered Nomad has announced since it was acquired by French owned Alstom in December 2016.