The planned rollout of 5G for travelers on the Berlin–Hamburg railway line is facing delays. Mobile network operators state that, following the line’s comprehensive refurbishment, key technical and contractual prerequisites are still missing. The companies hold Deutsche Bahn partly responsible for this situation. However, the railway operator points to sites that have already been prepared and to ongoing research projects. Consequently, activities such as working remotely, video conferencing, and streaming remain prone to disruption for passengers.
5G rollout not hindered solely by a lack of cell towers
Deutsche Bahn comprehensively upgraded the 278-kilometer-long line during its major refurbishment. It also prepared sites for the future digital railway radio system, FRMCS. In the long term, this system is intended to replace the current GSM-R standard. In principle, the existing infrastructure can also accommodate equipment for public mobile networks. However, this did not automatically result in an operational network for passengers.
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Establishing a stable mobile network connection requires network operators to install additional antennas and active radio equipment. They also need power connections, fiber-optic lines, and established usage rights. Consequently, the railway operator and mobile network providers must resolve issues regarding financing, operation, and site access. According to industry sources, binding agreements on these matters are still lacking; as a result, there is currently no firm timeline for achieving full coverage.
Agreement Offered No Guarantee of Rapid, Full-Scale Rollout
The federal government, the railway operator, and mobile network providers announced the joint initiative in October 2024. The plan aimed to create synergies between railway radio systems and public mobile networks during the modernization process, making the Berlin-Hamburg line a potential candidate for an innovation pilot project. However, the initial letter of intent did not guarantee an immediate, comprehensive rollout; instead, it called for preliminary technical assessments and joint trials.
As part of the GINT XT research project, the partners are therefore evaluating various coverage concepts along the railway tracks. Their testing includes the use of compact radio masts located in the immediate vicinity of the line. While high frequencies allow for the transmission of large volumes of data, they have a limited range. Achieving continuous 5G coverage therefore requires a large number of closely coordinated sites—a requirement that simultaneously increases both planning complexity and costs.
Train windows further impair mobile reception on ICE trains
Moreover, a high-performance mobile network does not solve every connectivity issue on trains. Modern ICE carriages often feature metal-coated windows; while these reduce heat gain, they also weaken mobile signals. Consequently, the railway operator treats specific windows with lasers or uses glass that allows mobile signals to pass through. Without such measures, even a strong external signal struggles to reach passengers effectively.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is also considering a more significant role for the federal government’s mobile infrastructure company. This entity could coordinate network expansion along key railway lines and support individual projects. Nevertheless, the railway operator and network providers must establish binding agreements regarding their respective technical and commercial responsibilities. Until such an agreement is reached, the promised 5G service on trains will remain inconsistent. For the time being, travelers should therefore expect fluctuating network quality.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Bild (17.06.26) – Hamburger Abendblatt (17.06.26) – Welt (17.06.26) – Deutsche Bahn (14.06.26)