Josh MacKinnon named to run train communications group
Virginia Beach, VA – June 1, 2011 – The GBS Group (GBS), an engineering consulting and technical services firm proudly announces the addition of Josh MacKinnon, an experienced telecommunications professional with specialized expertise in communications platforms on passenger trains. Josh will lead the company's various on-train Wi-Fi and passenger information system implementations and contracts, and provide long-term strategic planning for GBS in the rail industry.
"We are very excited to welcome Josh to our team," said Bob Golden, CEO of The GBS Group. "Josh has been working in broadband for the rail industry for more than six years. He adds a great deal of strength and innovation in this field and to our customers."
Josh will be based out of Washington, DC and will support GBS's work with Amtrak. "The GBS Group enjoys an excellent reputation for tackling their customers' toughest challenges and being very responsive on a 24/7 basis. I'm proud to be a part of this team," Josh noted. "GBS has shown that Wi-Fi solutions can be implemented in a relatively painless way for rail operators. GBS gets it......the ultimate goal is an improved passenger experience."
Before joining GBS, Josh served as General Manager for 21Net North America, and oversaw Canada's VIA Rail Wi-Fi system. Josh has worked in telecommunications for his entire career with a heavy focus on wireless networking. His background includes extensive experience in digital cable TV and implementing satellite and cellular communications platforms. Prior to joining 21Net, Josh worked for Parsons and was responsible for the original implementation and the ongoing operation of the Pointshot solution deployed on VIA Rail. Josh studied Mathematics at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The GBS Group provides a variety of engineering services to the rail industry, including reliability engineering, technology insertion and enabling technologies, onboard communications, and crew training program development. GBS engineers developed and continue to update a remote, health-monitoring and rolling stock diagnostics system for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor electric fleet, also on some of Maryland's MARC fleet. GBS also provided design, installation, operation, and maintenance services to successfully implement a custom Wi-Fi system (provided by Nomad Digital) for Amtrak's Acela fleet.
