Better reception on the train
Despite many measures, the quality of mobile phone reception on German railway trains remains poor. One reason is the slow expansion of radio antenna masts on the route. The railway is now solving another problem.
Obviously, windows are part of the reason for poor phone reception on trains. [Source: Deutsche Bahn]
Last year, Deutsche Bahn's train network coverage should increase. However, the expansion of new radio masts on the line is progressing slowly. Mobile network providers have not been able to meet the requirements of the Federal Network Administration. However, in cooperation with suppliers, Deutsche Bahn has installed receiver amplifiers [so-called repeaters] in 2018. But you want to offer more options.
According to the German Railway Network, the windows are coated with special metal insulation. This can prevent the train from overheating during driving, but the insulation material can also ensure that the reception of mobile phones in the train is restricted, because radio waves can only pass through metal insulation materials with difficulty.
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Trains are now working on new glass panels that continue to protect from direct sunlight, but should not limit reception. This now makes it possible to laser treat the windows to make them more permeable to radio waves. However, it still depends largely on the provider to further expand the radio network. Because there is no radio antenna pole, there is no good reception. According to Bahn, neither repeaters or permeable panes will help.
Some edited windows have been used for testing purposes in various express trains. However, there is no formal start date for ratification. The company plans to wait for further tests, which will be completed later this year. Later, windows were used for local and long-distance traffic throughout the train. However, there is no exact date.
Article keywords
Smartphones and vacation technology
