Deutsche Telekom has unveiled a collaboration with train operator, Deutsche Bahn, that has significantly enhanced mobile coverage along Germany’s railways, delivering a twelve-fold increase in data speeds and virtually eliminating coverage gaps across vast sections of the network.
Their collaboration, launched in 2021, involved a joint investment of hundreds of millions of euros, which has improved data speeds to 200 Mbps on 99% of main routes, covering 7,800 kilometers. On high-usage routes, where over 2,000 passengers travel daily, this rate is available across 13,800 kilometers, while secondary tracks now offer 100 Mbps on 96% of the network, up from 83% in 2021.
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In some areas, data speeds of up to 300 Mbps are achievable. The project has seen Deutsche Telekom build 470 new masts and upgrade 1,900 more.
The companies achieved their coverage targets ahead of schedule and are now focusing on enhancing connectivity in tunnels.
The next phase of their work will focus on routes through nature reserves, with plans to achieve full coverage on a key track through Müritz National Park by 2026.
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Additionally, Deutsche Bahn is investing EUR 50 million to make 70,000 window panes on long-distance trains radio-permeable. They will utilize laser technology to etch patterns into the metal layer protecting carriages from sunlight. This will allow the removal of signal repeaters, providing a more sustainable solution for improved signal.
Deutsche Telekom stated that this technology can be applied to existing carriages and enhances coverage in a sustainable way.