Ondas Networks Completes First Buildout of its 802.16 Technology to Power the Latest Class I Railroad's Migration to New 900 MHz Network in Chicago
Rhea-AI Summary
Ondas Holdings (NASDAQ:ONDS) has completed the first deployment of its IEEE 802.16 technology on the new 900 MHz "A Block" network for a major Class I railroad in Chicago. The implementation, done in partnership with Siemens Mobility, represents a significant milestone in upgrading legacy railroad wireless communications systems.
The deployment in Chicago, one of the most complex railroad wireless environments in the US, includes core base station infrastructure upgrades that will enable future wayside infrastructure enhancements. This follows Ondas' previous announcement of upgrading Metra's legacy 900 MHz system to an advanced 802.16 network in Chicago.
Positive
- First successful 900 MHz A Block network upgrade by a Class I railroad in Chicago
- Strategic partnership with Siemens Mobility strengthens market position
- Technology proven viable in complex, dense urban rail environments
- Additional validation of deployment plan for industry-wide 900 MHz wireless network upgrades
Negative
- Legacy 900 MHz network retirement may require complex coordination with multiple industry bodies
Insights
Ondas' successful 900 MHz network deployment in Chicago validates their technology and strengthens market position in rail communications infrastructure.
Ondas Networks has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its first 802.16 technology buildout on the new 900 MHz A Block spectrum for a Class I railroad in Chicago. This deployment is particularly notable because Chicago represents one of the most complex railroad wireless environments in North America, serving as a high-profile proof point for Ondas' technology capabilities.
The technical achievement here is substantial. By upgrading core base station infrastructure in such a challenging environment, Ondas demonstrates the scalability and security of their IEEE 802.16 (dot16) technology in dense urban rail systems. This isn't merely a pilot project but rather a mission-critical backbone implementation that enables future wayside infrastructure expansions.
This deployment carries strategic importance beyond the single installation. It represents continued market validation for Ondas' technology approach in partnership with Siemens Mobility, a major industrial partner that brings significant credibility. The mention of Metra (Chicago's commuter rail) as another customer implementing the same technology suggests growing momentum in this specialized market segment.
The timing is also significant as the legacy 900 MHz spectrum is being retired, creating a mandatory upgrade cycle for rail operators. Ondas is positioning itself at the forefront of this transition, actively coordinating A Block spectrum usage with industry bodies. This industry-wide migration provides Ondas with a defined market opportunity as Class I railroads must meet their regulatory commitments to transition to the new spectrum allocation.
Demonstrates continued adoption of Ondas' IEEE 802.16 (dot 16) technology for Rail wireless network upgrades in collaboration with its partner Siemens Mobility
SUNNYVALE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 24, 2025 / Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) ("Ondas" or the "Company"), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced today that it has completed the first buildout of its 802.16 technology operating on the new 900 MHz "A Block" with a large Class I railroad in Chicago. This new deployment continues Ondas' collaboration with its partner Siemens Mobility to assist rail operators with the transition from legacy systems to cutting-edge 900 MHz wireless communications networks capable of supporting IEEE 802.16 ("dot16") technology.
As the first 900 MHz A Block network upgrade by a Class I railroad in Chicago - one of the most complex railroad wireless environments in the country - this achievement demonstrates the continued adoption and maturity of Ondas Networks IEEE 802.16 technology to provide scalable, secure, and ubiquitous in dense, urban rail systems. This latest installation in Chicago includes upgrades to the railroad's core base station infrastructure, providing a mission-critical backbone to enable future upgrades to additional wayside infrastructure.
"We are excited to announce this latest adoption of our 900 MHz technology by a Class I railroad in Chicago," said Ondas Networks CEO Markus Nottelmann. "This is yet additional validation that Ondas Networks and Siemens Mobility have delivered a viable and comprehensive deployment plan for 900 MHz wireless network upgrades in the industry which allows the Class 1s to meet their commitments to transition to the new A Block. This further demonstrates the maturity and readiness of our dot16 technology to provide scalable and secure wireless technology to North American railroads."
In conjunction with Siemens Mobility, Ondas Networks previously announced in December that it would also be upgrading the legacy 900 MHz system of Metra, Chicago's metropolitan commuter rail, to an advanced, 802.16 network operating on the new A Block in Chicago. Ondas Networks is actively coordinating the use of the A Block spectrum with industry bodies in Chicago and elsewhere to assist railroads with ongoing migrations from the legacy 900 MHz network which is being retired.
About Ondas Holdings Inc.
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) is a leading provider of autonomous drone and private wireless solutions through its business units Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) and Ondas Networks. Ondas' technologies offer a powerful combination of aerial intelligence and next-generation connectivity to enhance security, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across essential industries.
OAS offers a portfolio of best-in-class AI-driven defense and security drone platforms that are currently deployed globally to protect and secure sensitive locations, populations, and critical infrastructure. Operating via its wholly owned subsidiaries, American Robotics and Airobotics, OAS offers the Optimus System-the first U.S. FAA-certified sUAS for automated aerial security and data capture-and the Iron Drone Raider-an autonomous counter-UAS system designed to neutralize hostile drones.
Ondas Networks provides software-defined wireless broadband technology through its FullMAX platform, based on the IEEE 802.16t standard. This standards-based system delivers high-performance connectivity for mission-critical IoT applications in markets such as rail, utilities, oil and gas, transportation, and government.
For additional information on Ondas Holdings: www.ondas.com, X and LinkedIn
For Ondas Autonomous Systems: LinkedIn
For Airobotics: www.airoboticsdrones.com, X and LinkedIn
For American Robotics: www.american-robotics.com, X and LinkedIn
For Ondas Networks: www.ondasnetworks.com, X and LinkedIn
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as required by law.
Contacts
IR Contact for Ondas Holdings Inc.
888-657-2377
ir@ondas.com
Media Contact for Ondas
Escalate PR
ondas@escalatepr.com
Preston Grimes
Marketing Manager, Ondas Holdings Inc.
Preston.grimes@ondas.com
SOURCE: Ondas Holdings Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
What technology did Ondas Networks deploy for the Class I railroad in Chicago?
Why is the Chicago deployment significant for Ondas Holdings (NASDAQ:ONDS)?
Who is Ondas Networks partnering with for railroad wireless upgrades?
What other railroad projects is Ondas Networks working on in Chicago?
What are the benefits of Ondas Networks' 802.16 technology for railroads?
