Pendolino, Railjet, and InterPanter trains operated by České dráhy, the Czech national railway operator, now offer significantly improved connectivity following the completion of the installation of 5G systems for mobile signal amplification and the launch of Starlink satellite internet trials, transforming long-distance rolling stock into veritable “offices on wheels.”
The consortium formed by ČD – Telematika and Kontron Transportation has completed the installation of 5G systems in Pendolino and InterPanter trains, with the project complementing the implementation of this technology in Railjet trains, which was completed in the spring of this year.
The total value of the contract was CZK 132 million, excluding VAT (EUR 5.4 million).
The project is financed by the railway operator from funds obtained through the call for proposals “Technical means for 5G in railway carriages”, launched by the Czech Telecommunications Authority.
151 carriages equipped with 5G systems
According to the company, 151 carriages, distributed across 27 Pendolino, Railjet, and InterPanter units, have been equipped with mobile signal repeaters, enabling stable voice and data services throughout the journey.
“The installation of mobile signal repeaters is an important step in the modernization of our services and contributes significantly to increasing passenger comfort. Trains are thus transformed into a true mobile office,” said Michal Krapinec, CEO of České dráhy.
How the system works
The repeaters installed on board the trains capture the signal from external mobile networks and amplify it inside the carriages, compensating for losses caused by the metal structure of the bodywork. The amplification level is adjusted dynamically, depending on the coverage available on the route.
The system includes:
- external broadband antennas with GPS support
- mobile signal repeaters
- attenuation filters for GSM-R, necessary to avoid interfering with the operation of railway safety systems (GSM-R / ETCS)
- onboard signal distribution infrastructure
The signal is distributed indiscriminately to all mobile operators, ensuring equal connectivity conditions for passengers.
Laser-treated windows for better signal
In parallel with the installation of repeaters, České dráhy also carried out laser treatments on the windows to facilitate the penetration of the mobile signal inside the carriages. This intervention was applied to 209 carriages, particularly those used on long-distance domestic routes, all of which are already in operation.
Starlink satellite internet tests
In addition to terrestrial solutions, České dráhy is among the first railway operators in the world to test, in commercial operation, Starlink satellite internet, provided by SpaceX, the company owned by Elon Musk.
The tests aim to evaluate performance in areas with limited mobile coverage and could pave the way for hybrid connectivity solutions on board trains.
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