Germany's Hamburg-Berlin Train Route to Get 5G Mobile Connectivity Upgrade
October 22, 2024The German government, Deutsche Bahn, and four major mobile network operators are collaborating to enhance mobile connectivity on the busy Hamburg-Berlin train route.
The project aims to address significant mobile signal gaps that currently plague the Berlin-Hamburg route.
A declaration of intent will be signed at the Digital Summit in Frankfurt, marking a commitment to improve mobile connectivity with gigabit data rates on trains.
The Future Rail Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), based on 5G technology, will be implemented alongside the new mobile infrastructure during the renovations.
Deutsche Bahn's Digital Board Member highlighted the collaboration's importance in advancing mobile broadband coverage across Germany.
Currently, passengers face challenges with unreliable internet access and poor data speeds, particularly in rural areas along the route.
Transport and Digital Minister Volker Wissing emphasized the initiative's goal to transform the route into Germany's innovation corridor for mobile connectivity.
This 278-kilometer railway line is one of the busiest in Germany, accommodating up to 230 trains and 30,000 passengers daily.
The collaboration is expected to yield significant synergies and cost savings, ultimately benefiting travelers with high-performance mobile services.
Renovations scheduled from August 2025 to April 2026 will facilitate the installation of new mobile masts, making the route 5G-compatible.
The initiative aims to provide seamless 5G coverage, enhancing connectivity for travelers and allowing for high-quality phone calls and internet access.
Mobile network providers plan to share infrastructure along the route, which could enable gigabit-speed mobile services for passengers.
Summary based on 5 sources