The capacity of the high-speed Wi-Fi network has been already enhanced along the Sheremetyevo route. The networks aboard trains serving the Domodedovo and Vnukovo links will be modernized before the end of this year as new double-deck trains are put into operation. The first vehicle with new Wi-Fi equipment was put into service last week.
This upgrade is being carried out due to the increased load on the Aeroexpress network. Just one year after the Wi-Fi network aboard trains was connected to the unified Wi-Fi space, the number of users has increased threefold. Since the beginning of 2017, nearly 600,000 unique users travelling with Aeroexpress have connected to the MT_FREE network.
“Thanks to our cooperation with MaximaTelecom, passengers will be able to benefit from fast and reliable Wi-Fi and stay in touch throughout their journey. One of the key values our company appreciates the most is being a customer-oriented business. There is no doubt we pay particular attention to the quality of this service and will definitely continue to develop wireless internet opportunities, thus ensuring maximum comfort for our passengers,” said Aeroexpress’ Chief Operating Officer Valery Fyodorov.
The network upgrade is another step towards preparing Moscow for hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup and developing the city’s unified Wi-Fi space. The works will result in the enhanced access speed and the improved coverage quality. The upgraded network will make it possible for 200 people in each carriage to simultaneously use the internet, outperforming the capacity indicators before this upgrade.
“MaximaTelecom has been continuously improving the quality of high-speed Wi-Fi. We expect the demand for limitless free internet connection to increase, especially during large-scale events, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It was our priority to upgrade the network aboard Aeroexpress trains because in many cases passengers first use maps, messengers, and social networks particularly while travelling from the airport. Now we can say with confidence that the free Wi-Fi networks aboard express trains will carry the increasing load,” said Ilya Cherkasov, Chief Infrastructure Business Officer of MaximaTelecom.
The highest demand for the MT_FREE network services aboard Aeroexpress trains can be seen among passengers aged 25 to 34, who account for 45% of those connecting. Users aged 35 to 44 years old account for 20% of all connections, while its 16% for passengers aged 18 to 24. Smartphones are the most popular devices when connecting to the network on the way from the airport (88% connections), while tablets are used for this purpose by only 7% of Aeroexpress passengers.
It is noteworthy that this Wi-Fi service is provided free of charge for the duration of any Aeroexpress ride and at the carrier’s terminals. New MT_FREE network users need to undergo an identification procedure by confirming their mobile phone number and authorization via the Public Services portal. Those users who have already been registered with MaximaTelecom networks (e.g. with the Moscow Metropolitan’s Wi-Fi network) do not need to repeat this identification process.
MaximaTelecom is a high-tech company that that specializes in establishing and commercializing wireless networks at public services facilities. The innovative services offered by this company have received multiple awards through prestigious Russian and international competitions. MaximaTelecom is the first Russian business to receive a Wi-Fi Industry Award for deploying the best Wi-Fi network in the urban space.