PR releases

Moovera and Vodafone Collaborate on WiFi for Public Transport

Moovera Moovbox uses 3G broadband network for in-vehicle Internet access for passengers.

Sittingbourne, UK (PRWEB) April 19, 2007 -- Moovera Networks, a leading developer of mobile wireless broadband technology, and Vodafone UK have announced the successful commercial launch of high-speed Internet access on Europe's most frequent express coach service, the Oxford Tube. Passengers traveling on the Stagecoach Group plc service between Central London and Oxford now have email and web access on the move at speeds up to 1.4Mbps thanks to the combination of Moovera's mobile WiFi equipment and Vodafone UK's 3G broadband network, which now covers 80% of the UK population.

Following an initial three-month trial by Stagecoach Group across the 25-vehicle fleet, over 7,000 passengers have used the free service more than 32,000 times with an average session duration of 41 minutes. Oxford Tube, which runs a 24-hour service every day of the year with coaches leaving up to every 10 minutes at peak times, has revealed that a number of commuters have transferred from the railways and from rival coach operators due to the popularity of the free WiFi service.

"The success of the Stagecoach WiFi service clearly demonstrates the demand for high-speed Internet connectivity on public transport", said Jim Baker, CEO and founder of Moovera Networks. "Providing free 'always-on' broadband access on routes frequented by commuters, students and tourists is a significant way for bus, coach and train operators to distinguish their service from others and increase passenger footfall."

Internet connectivity is provided by Moovera's Moovbox M Series, a small ruggedised device that creates a WiFi network throughout a vehicle, allowing passengers to connect with any WiFi enabled laptop, PDA or mobile phone. The Moovbox bridges the WiFi network with Vodafone UK's 3G broadband service that uses HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access) technology to deliver download speeds of around 1.4Mbps. The Moovbox also provides a secure Internet link for in-vehicle applications including CCTV for remote camera monitoring, and features built-in GPS tracking so that fleet operators know where their vehicles are at any time of day or night.

"Moovera's Moovbox is an excellent example of how Vodafone's 3G broadband services can be extended to reach even more potential users with a wide variety of applications," said Kyle Whitehill, Director of Vodafone UK's Enterprise Business Unit. "By offering WiFi, vehicle tracking, video security and support for a host of other transport telematics applications, the Moovbox fully leverages the high speed capability of our 3G broadband network."

The Moovbox M Series has been deployed by transport operators including National Express and Stagecoach Group, and local authorities including Reading Borough Council and Coventry City Council, and is available via a network of distributors and resellers worldwide.

About Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK has 16.9 million customers and is part of the world's leading international mobile telecommunications Group, offering a wide range of voice and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 29 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit http://www.vodafone.co.uk

About Moovera Networks
Based in the United Kingdom, Moovera Networks is a privately-held manufacturer of industrial-strength fixed, mobile and portable wireless communications products that bridge WiFi access with carrier-class networks including WiMAX, TD-CDMA, and UMTS 3G/HSPA. These rugged devices enable customers around the world to deploy wide-area, street-level Wi-Fi coverage for data, voice and video and provide Internet connectivity on public and private transportation. For more information, please visit http://www.moovera.com