Marconi Metro to Build Paris Metro Broadband Network

LONDON and PITTSBURGH, Feb. 20 -- The Paris transport authority -- Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) -- has chosen Marconi to build a new multiservice broadband network for video surveillance, voice communications and advanced data services for the Paris Metro and the city's renowned train, bus and tram system.

When complete, the $12 million network will be one of the largest asynchronous transfer mode networks in Europe, Marconi said. It will support up to 6,000 cameras and 300 video monitors and connect 400 private automatic branch exchanges), linking some 40,000 telephone lines and 1,500 local area networks across 500 Metro, train and bus stations.

RATP's primary objective was to upgrade its video surveillance system in order to reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance security inside its stations, Marconi said. The network will also provide new services for passengers, such as Internet access and an internal video channel.