The Berlin U-Bahn (Finally) Gets High-Speed Internet

Long suffering Berliners can finally access LTE mobile connections across the entire U-Bahn network, the Berliner Morgenpost reported today. However, they will have to wait a little longer to get free WiFi on board the trains.

Whilst WiFi and mobile signals have been available at all 175 U-Bahn stations in the German capital for some time, it has been a different story in the trains as they thunder across the 156km network of tracks, 80% of which are deep underground.

Often working overnight, in short 3-hour windows, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has laid over 1,000km of fibre-optic cables and installed 360 tunnel antennas. With the task finally complete, commuters in the capital can enjoy what the Post calls “the most comprehensive indoor communications project in Germany.”

More good news is set to follow and the CEO of BVG, Henrik Falk, said in a press statement that the transport operator will be able to provide “free WiFi on our subway trains in the future”. Also, Alexanderplatz station will be the first U-Bahn stop to get 5G.

Last year, Stadler delivered the first of a new generation of trains which all come fitted out with WiFi connectivity. Stadler, was officially awarded the €3 billion long-term contract to supply 1,500 metro cars to BVG back in 2020. In 2022, Stadler awarded the contract to supply data communications technology for the first 606 carriages on order from BVG, to Westermo. Deliveries of the new carriages began in 2023 and are set to continue until around 2027.

Meanwhile, there is no firm date yet set for WiFi on board the U-Bahn trains.

This year’s WiFi on Trains Conference – Traincomms 2024, will take place on the 13^th and 14^th of November. For more information on getting involved please see www.Traincomms.com or contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .

There is currently an Early Bird Discount Offer Available – which is fast running out!  Please see http://traincomms.com/book1.cfm

Traincomms 2024 is being sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi will be exhibitors.

The latest programme will be available here http://traincomms.com/#content2b