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Post: Telephoning in train tunnels remains a problem

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“The connection will be disconnected immediately, we will enter a tunnel.” Such phrases are still often heard from train passengers. It was supposed to be finished by the end of this year.


When it comes to expanding mobile communications, Germany’s telecommunications companies are making slow progress in many rail tunnels. As can be seen from a report submitted to the Federal Network Agency’s advisory board, “not all tunnels have yet been fully covered” in terms of network coverage.

Tunnels with a weak cell phone network account for 0.6 to 0.8 percent of the so-called busiest routes. According to the commitment of the network operators, good mobile reception in the tunnels should also be possible by the end of the year. The letter indicates that this target is unlikely to be met.

Bahn should agree to network expansion in tunnels

When expanding the network in tunnels, mobile operators are dependent on Deutsche Bahn – technicians are only allowed to enter the tunnel with their permission. A Telecom spokesperson describes cell phone networks in tunnels on highways and rails as “a challenge”. We are only allowed to build there if we get permission from the railways or the relevant authorities,” he said. A Vodafone spokesperson also describes a “challenging situation”.

According to the telecom spokesperson, as a rule, you only get such permits when construction work is planned in a tunnel.

This can be useful if the tunnel needs to be locked and you want to avoid multiple locks.

Telecom spokesperson

However, this results in a long lead time with some approvals stretching as far as 2025. As a result, Telecom has “significantly improved” supply along rail lines. Vodafone also makes a similar statement.

Telecom: Transforming trains is desirable

However, good radio-permeable glass panes in trains or new repeaters in trains will help for better cell phone reception so that radio signals can reach train passengers as well – “quick equipping and converting all trains” is desirable. Telecom spokesperson.

When asked why there are still dead spots in the tunnels, a railway spokesperson answers that it is the job of the network operators to support the expansion “as best they can”.

Pro Bahn: Still too many dead spots

The passenger association Pro Bahn is very important. The situation has improved in recent years, but there are still too many dead spots, complains Association spokesperson Andreas Schröder. In other countries, such as France, the connection is better in tunnels.

The technology exists, but it also needs to be set up and used.

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The expansion requirements are due to the frequency auction in 2019. The three incumbent network operators Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica (O2) will fulfill most of these obligations, but other parts are likely not.

Sanctions on mobile operators?

That’s why demands for extortionate payments or fines come from politicians to approve abuse. The absence of mobile phone reception in railway tunnels is unlikely to result in any sanctions. Because, as the extensive set of rules indicates, if this is not “legally and de facto” possible, the requirement need not be met.

Source: ZDF

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