Traincomms News from BWCS


NetForecast Launches System to Automatically Measure Passenger WiFi Experience on Trains

Wednesday 20 Mar 2024

NetForecast, an independent provider of internet quality monitoring for the aviation and residential broadband markets, has launched a similar product to measure passengers’ experience of on-train WiFi systems.

According to the US-based company, train operating companies (TOCs) will be able to swiftly harness insight and actionable data about on-board connectivity using its new QMap Rail system. Launched this week, after months of trials and refinements, QMap Rail, can continuously monitor network performance whilst the train is moving. NetForecast’s proprietary technology allows train companies to ensure their service providers are delivering on their promised levels of connectivity. It does this by gathering real-time metrics and quickly identifying performance issues.

As Matt Seaman, Sales Director at NetForecast puts it “For many years, TOCs have been looking for solutions that objectively and independently measure the real quality of service that passengers receive from on-board WiFi. QMap Rail delivers this solution by enabling TOCs to measure network performance down to individual devices, allowing objective measurement of the true passenger experience.”

The service is designed to enable operators to pinpoint connectivity trouble spots along their routes. This in turn can inform decisions on how to improve coverage and better prepare for inevitable demand surges during peak travel times. Using minimal bandwidth, QMap Rail works in the background on a range of mobile and portable devices.

Aggregating all user experience data, QMap creates a range of reports on end-to-end connectivity performance, accessible via a dashboard. It also gives early-warning alerts through predictive analytics and applies anomaly detection to flag potential issues.

“You can only improve what you measure,” states NetForecast CEO Rebecca Wetzel. “Built on the technology foundations of our successful QMap platform for the aviation industry, our powerful QMap Rail solution will empower train operators to greatly improve passenger satisfaction.”

Presumably, a good QMap Rail score can also end up being an effective marketing tool for some train companies, in the same way that a good Rotten Tomatoes score can help guide TV and move viewers’ choices.

This year’s WiFi on Trains Conference – Traincomms 2024, will take place on the 13th and 14th of November. For more information on getting involved please see www.Traincomms.com or contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .

 

There is currently an Early Bird Discount Offer Available to the First 30 People to Sign up for this Year’s Conference – Please see http://traincomms.com/book1.cfm

Traincomms 2024 is being sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi will be exhibitors.

The latest programme will be available here http://traincomms.com/#content2b



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