CR local commuters to get high-speed internet in trains

Commuters need to download SugarBox app, access online content through it; service on 10 trains

Commuters on Central Railway’s local trains can now enjoy seamless access to information, entertainment, shopping, education and services without a cellular network. Passengers will need to download the SugarBox app and access the content through it. They will not be required to pay for data consumption. On Friday, the company’s ‘Content on Demand’ equipment was installed on 10 local trains. It will be gradually fitted on all the 165 trains of CR.

CR’s GM Anil Kumar Lahoti during the launch on Friday

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Officials said SugarBox creates a local WiFi network eliminating the users’ dependence on mobile data. Currently, there is no cap or data charges across apps on SugarBox, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. Consumers will be able to stream movies and TV shows during their commute. “Passengers can now avail an infotainment experience in the trains, similar to what’s available on flights,” an official said.

CR’s General Manager Anil Kumar Lahoti said the contract for ‘Content on Demand’ on their trains will fetch the railways R8.17 crore over five years. “Commuters on Central Railway will now be able to avail an infotainment experience through this service. It’s a futuristic vision to bring alive better customer experience through adoption of new and emerging technologies thus enabling a digital experience for commuters. In the first phase, 10 suburban trains were enabled with the equipment on Friday,” he said.

The SugarBox app will have its own servers on trains and will allow commuters to access content only through that app. It will be like an OTT aggregator. An official said commuters will be able to access movies and TV shows on their personal devices once inside the train.

165
No. of trains that will get the SugarBox devices

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