Berlin rolls out 4G on entire subway network

Berlin’s public transport operator Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) announced the rollout of 4G services across its entire subway network. BVG cooperated with O2 Telefónica to deliver the project that is labelled the most 'comprehensive indoor mobile communications project in Germany'. 

Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG, stated: “Our smartphones are our constant companions. No matter whether it’s a private chat or a work email – we all want to be online and at high speed, even on the subway. That’s why the comprehensive high-speed mobile network is an important step towards an even more attractive and modern mobility offering. At the same time, the powerful 4G network is the basis for us to be able to offer free Wi-Fi in our subway trains in the future.”

The rollout had to deal with some specific challenges, such as the historic tunnel structure of Berlin and today’s strict safety and environment regulations. The 4G network works with a number of underground operating rooms that are managed by 4 central data centres to easily add new hardware and update or exchange software. The structure is already looking ahead for a 5G rollout, starting with the Alexanderplatz train station.

Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Enterprises and Chairwoman of the BVG Supervisory Board, stated: “Having reliably good phone reception in the subways, and being able to access the internet and send emails, is part of a modern metropolis for residents and guests of our city. We want to become the number one innovation location in Europe. We are also setting the course for this with the future-oriented expansion of mobile communications underground.”