Here's some interesting news that involves IP telephony on trains. Maybe now you can make a VoIP call even in long tunnels which tend to cut out cellphone service? Ericsson was awarded a contract with Global Crossing in the UK to provide an upgraded IP telephony platform for the company's RailNet network. As a result of the supplier contract, the Ericsson solution will enable advanced IP telephony services for Global Crossing's RailNet customers, which comprise 65,000 users from UK train operator Network Rail and rail infrastructure companies.

The upgraded RailNet platform will provide cost-effective, seamless communications for voice, intranet, local-area network, wide-area network and public network traffic using IP-based communications. Ericsson will be responsible for technical collaboration, design, project management and the integration of its MD110 Converged Communication System.

When fully deployed the MD110 systems installed in RailNet will integrate fixed and mobile telephony, IP phones, PC soft phones, cordless phones, mobile phones, digital phones and IP gateways. Additionally, 120 existing MD110 systems will be upgraded to provide advanced facilities.

Phil Metcalf, managing director of Global Crossing UK, said: "This significant investment demonstrates Global Crossing's continued commitment to evolve RailNet into a fully converged IP platform that offers the entire rail community a flexible set of secure offerings and new service applications that satisfy the safety-critical nature
of the rail business."

Jonathan Smith, Vice President of Ericsson Enterprise division in the UK and Ireland, said: "This contract from Global Crossing is another clear indication of Ericsson's continued commitment to the enterprise sector. Ericsson offers advanced, best-in-class solutions, backed up with the technical ability, strategic view and vision to evolve its
customers into an all-IP world."