For the millions of Italians who use the high-speed rail network every year, the train is not only a means of transportation, but also an office to work in or a lounge to hang out in. The development of 4G networks has enabled an enrichment of the travel experience, allowing travellers to use their time on board to prepare documents, hold meetings remotely, or simply watch a film.
But these activities are a major test for mobile networks. There are tunnels and other sections with difficult signal coverage — which high-speed trains pass through very quickly — that pose the challenge of avoiding interruptions and interfering with the user experience.
4G coverage for high-speed trains
For this reason, TIM and the Ferrovie dello Stato Group, through its subsidiary Rfi, will upgrade 4G mobile coverage in the tunnels of the high-speed lines from Turin to Milan and from Bologna to Florence as early as 2022. Similar measures are planned for 2023 for the routes between Bologna and Venice and between Florence and Naples.
The upgrade will also affect the coverage of other telecom operators involved in the project and will benefit all rail operators on the routes involved. In fact, 4G will also provide better coverage for the WiFi connection services offered by Trenitalia and Italo on board their trains.
Moreover, as a consequence of the NRRP's investments in technological innovation, the agreement provides for the launch of feasibility studies for the use of 5G networks to further improve coverage and quality of experience. The planned measures, will enable passengers to enjoy a stable, high-speed connection.
The total investment required for the project is approximately €12 million, split between Rfi, the FS group company that manages the national railway infrastructure, and the participating telecom operators.
