Berlin subway passengers can now enjoy uninterrupted high-speed 4G LTE connectivity on all underground routes, thanks to a collaboration between O2 Telefonica (Telefonica Germany) and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), the city’s public transport company. This project, led by O2 Telefonica and BVG, has successfully deployed a 4G LTE mobile network throughout the subway system, benefiting customers of major mobile operators like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Germany.
Connection Deployment
Telefonica spearheaded the effort to enhance mobile coverage, implementing a new shared architecture and laying down 1,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables. Additionally, over 360 antennas, 350 repeaters, and 30 base stations were installed in the tunnels. This consolidated network infrastructure, dubbed “BTS Hotels,” centralizes access points for base stations, allowing for faster integration of new hardware and software by major mobile operators.
The upgraded network architecture not only expands coverage but also improves quality, setting the stage for future technologies like 5G. Initial steps will see the deployment of a 5G network operating on the 3.6 GHz frequency band.
Uninterrupted Experience for Passengers
The completion of this extensive project marks a significant milestone, providing Berliners and visitors with the same high-level network experience underground as they have above ground. O2 Telefonica emphasizes the ongoing commitment to expanding and enhancing the network, ensuring widespread access to fast 5G both above and below ground.
Deutsche Telekom also underscores the importance of advancing technology to provide the latest services, signaling the next phase of implementation, which includes bringing 5G technology to subway routes.
Furthermore, O2 Telefonica reports a notable increase in daily data usage by subway commuters, which has surged sevenfold to approximately 35,000 GB since 2019, highlighting the growing reliance on mobile connectivity during underground travel.
