Deutsche Bahn testing technology for super-fast internet on railway lines

Anyone who has travelled by train in Germany knows that a good internet connection can’t always be relied on. To change that, Deutsche Bahn is cooperating with major mobile phone operators in Germany to develop better infrastructure, conducting a series of tests using a “laboratory train” on the country’s first “gigabit test track”. 

Deutsche Bahn testing high-speed internet masts on test track

This week, Deutsche Bahn has started testing new infrastructure that should support better mobile internet connections on trains, using a converted ICE train and a specially designed section of track in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. 

The 12-kilometre section of track is lined by 13 masts that have been equipped with new antennas that support 5G connections. According to a Deutsche Bahn press release, the aim is to enable gigabit connections on the route - that is, connections with download speeds of 1.000 megabits per second.

"For the first time, we are testing mobile communications technology specifically developed for railway lines and open to all network operators - a first in Germany," said Mallik Rao, board member of o2 Telefónica, as reported in Stern. 

Technology could be implemented along Berlin - Hamburg route

If the technology proves successful, it will be implemented along the route between Berlin and Hamburg, which is currently shut for the next nine months for a major renovation. As part of the renovation, the route will get trackside masts along its entire length. 

“For the first time, all German mobile phone companies along this test track are investigating how gigabit coverage can be achieved,” said DB board member Daniela Gerd tom Markotten. “Because that's what people want: to work on the train, participate in video conferences, or make phone calls while travelling. Together, we will meet this demand!"