Study on feasibility of SATCOM for railway communication

Final Report
7. SATCOM FOR RAILWAY COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTATION PROCESS
This section presents the results of the SATCOM on the Move (SOTM) & Trains Survey, carried out
during October-November 2016. The methodology and other survey metadata are presented first,
followed by the statistical analysis of the responses and the main conclusions that can be drawn
thereof.
It is interesting to point out that inputs received, results and conclusions of this task have been taken
into account in subsequent tasks of the study, such as the assessment and the conclusions and
recommendations.
7.1 INTRODUCTION
The objective of the SOTM & Trains Survey was, first, to ascertain the state-of-the-art of SATCOM
solutions and technologies, and second, to identify the current technology trends and gaps. The
results of this study were expected to provide inputs for the decision making process on the inclusion
of SATCOM technologies as part of the evolution of the railways radio communication system.
The design of the Survey took into account two important issues:
General aspects. In order to ensure a high participation, the survey was designed maximising
simplicity and minimising the time required to answer, while not preventing participants to
express more detailed opinions, suggestions, etc. if they considered it appropriate. The
language used in the survey and in the invitation letters was conversational, also aiming at
increasing participation.
Sensitive information. Some of the questions, notably those related to planned products and
support for future standards, tackle sensitive subjects that might be of strategic/commercial
importance for the consulted companies, so some reluctance to participate was envisaged. It
was deemed important to stress, when asking those questions, that they are to be answered
only on a voluntary basis, so that at least partial feedback could be obtained.
7.1.1 Targeted stakeholders
The SOTM & Trains Survey targeted various groups of stakeholders:
Satellite communications stakeholders:
o Component manufacturers and integrators
o Satellite operators
o Space agencies (ESA)
Railway communications stakeholders:
o Railway Undertakings (RU)
o Infrastructure Managers (IM)
o Train/trackside equipment manufacturer
o UIC ATWG (Architecture and Technology Working Group)
Communications service providers and mobile network operators
Doc.Nº: SRAIL-FNR-010-IND
Edit./Rev.: 1/1
Date: 16/02/2017
Page 104 of 285