21Net

21Net established itself as a specialized provider of onboard internet and passenger infotainment systems for the railway industry. Founded in 2001, the company focused on developing and implementing high-speed communication systems for trains. Headquartered in the UK, 21Net expanded its operations with subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Italy, and India. A significant milestone for the company was securing a contract with SNCF in 2016 to install Wi-Fi equipment on high-speed trains in France. By 2017, the company's turnover reached approximately €16 million with a team of 50 employees. In a strategic move to bolster its digital mobility offerings, Alstom acquired 21Net in April 2018.

The core of 21Net's business is providing robust, high-speed internet connectivity and multimedia services to railway companies and their passengers. The company's platform addresses the increasing demand for seamless connectivity during travel, catering to conventional trains, high-speed rail, and other public transport like buses and metros. Its business model revolves around designing, marketing, and implementing these advanced communication systems. 21Net's solution is distinguished by its use of a multi-technology approach, integrating satellite, cellular, and high-speed wireless from trackside antennas to ensure consistent service. This system was engineered to deliver a business-class broadband experience, a significant step up from the intermittent, low-bandwidth services previously available. The technology supports high bandwidth, enabling reliable internet access, email, and corporate VPN usage for business travelers, as well as onboard entertainment options.

Before its acquisition, 21Net had raised $52.2 million from investors including Innovacom, Anglo Scientific, BIP Capital Partners, ESA Business Incubation Centres, and Midven. The acquisition by Alstom, which followed Alstom's purchase of Nomad Digital, was aimed at reinforcing Alstom's expertise in digital solutions for the rail sector. The move was driven by the recognition that uninterrupted passenger connectivity is a fundamental requirement in modern transport. 21Net's technology, partly developed through the European Space Agency's EOMST project, was pivotal in demonstrating the viability of bi-directional Ku-band satellite communication for high-speed trains, providing multi-megabyte data rates in both directions.

Keywords: onboard connectivity, passenger infotainment, railway communication, train Wi-Fi, satellite internet, mobile connectivity, digital mobility, high-speed rail internet, public transport technology, Alstom, Nomad Digital, SNCF, passenger experience, broadband on trains, travel technology, transportation telematics, vehicle networking, internet on the move, rail technology, connected trains