For a country that consistently ranks highly for its connectivity, the Government now turns its attention to coverage on trains
The problem: Mobile coverage along high-traffic railway routes is generally good in Sweden (close to 100% on all the main railway routes). However, there is room for improvement in on board connectivity on trains. Several factors, including the characteristics of trains, dampen the signal and make it hard to receive inside carriages.
USD6m of public funding is available: The Swedish Government has asked the regulator, the PTS to identify measures that complement initiatives already adopted by the railway and mobile industries. The measures will be focused on high-traffic, long-distance railways. A total of SEK50m (USD6m) is available to fund possible solutions, to be awarded in 2021 and 2022. In a report, the PTS recommends the funding be allocated through a competitive process, rather than on a first-come first-served basis.
The possible solutions: The PTS’s report identifies four types of measures that could be used to improve connectivity. These include the installation of repeaters on board, the installation of WiFi, the testing of new technologies (i.e. glass for windows that lets the signal through), and improving reception in tunnels.
