SAN DIEGO- Qualcomm Inc. announced that Amtrak signed a contract to purchase 80 OmniTracs mobile satellite communications units. The systems will be used aboard about half of the rail company’s diesel locomotive fleet.
Qualcomm said the OmniTracs system will allow Amtrak to have two-way communications between en-route trains and Amtrak’s operations and customer service centers throughout its 24,000 mile rail system.
With assistance from the on-board services manager, passengers will be able to make advance reservations and check connections. Qualcomm said data, including arrival information and seat availability, will be sent to the reservation and sales centers so customers can be given the most current information. In addition, service managers will use the technology to check dining hall stock and account for revenue en route to the next station.
