The Colibri family is growing: ever more on-board Wi-Fi

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    • As it is very similar to the German word for hummingbird, many train users will think of this dynamic little bird when they see the name "Colibri". It is the name of an IT solution developed by DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung and stands for "Coach Link for Broadband Information". This facilitates one of the most convenient features that rail travellers can enjoy on board: internet access. DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung is equipping ever more trains with this technology, for both long-distance and regional service.

    Colibri provides a uniform IT infrastructure and enables numerous digital applications to be run, including on-board Wi-Fi. A multi-provider system developed by DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung utilises various providers' mobile phone networks and also 3G and 4G.

    One of the fleets using Colibri is the 423 fleet (60 trains) operating on the northern network of the S-Bahn rapid transit system in Stuttgart. S-Bahn Stuttgart has been converting its Class 430 vehicles (97 trains) too. Starting in the summer of 2019, passengers using all the vehicles in the fleet will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi.

    S-Bahn Rhein-Main is also joining the Colibri family: by the end of 2019 all of its 191 trains will be fitted with Wi-Fi on behalf of the Rhein-Main transport association and the S-Bahn company.

    Wi-Fi on trains in the north too

    The Harz-Weser network is extending its internet availability: passengers can now surf online on all trains in the Harz region. Previously, free internet was only available on trains operating between Braunschweig and Salzgitter-Lebenstedt. 

    The number of trains will reach a thousand next year

    Colibri is already installed in over 500 trains. In the coming year, DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung will fit it in the thousandth vehicle. The company also intends to expand the possible uses for on-board Wi-Fi. There is, for example, a gamification module in the pipeline, which provides entertainment in a playful way and can be used as a channel for marketing communications.