3.6. Allowing access to mobile networks on railway and other transport lines and inside
rolling stock l
Problem Identification
All holders of the 800 MHz frequency allocations shall fulfil sufficiently in advance the obligation to
cover all railway corridors by connecting to mobile electronic communications networks, which they
accepted in 2013 under the terms of the tender for rights of use of radio frequencies. In spite of this,
currently, the mobile signal inside trains is not sufficient, which is given high transmission loss at the
surface of carriages. There is also no satisfactory coverage in places where lines and communications
pass through the terrain, i.e. in railway, motorway and road tunnels, due to administrative and financial
reasons amounts of millions of crowns to tens of millions are requested for the placement of elements
of public communications networks, such as. railway corridors (including but not limited to tunnels).
The solution consisting in the deployment of Wi-Fi networks in trains is unsatisfactory to address this
problem, as it does not allow to make use of conventional voice services. In addition, the lack of
coverage prevents to use the eCall system services and reliable communication with the integrated
rescue system.
Czech Railways, a state-owned company, have in the examined the option of vehicle telephone signal
repeaters with the result that the investment cost would amount to CZK 500,000 per passenger
carriage (and subsequent maintenance should also be considered). In the light of experience abroad,
installation of line antenna cables into tunnels and signal coverage of problematic sections in outside
areas appear to be a more satisfactory solution. The vast majority of passenger rail carriers from
abroad (including high-speed train operators) do not guarantee mobile data signals in their vehicles,
only offer WiFi. The low transmission loss can be required from carriers when purchasing new vehicles.
Proposed Measures
Measure A
To make analysis to identify obstacles preventing the placement of elements of public communications
networks in tunnel areas on railways, motorways and roads.
Measure B
To examine an option of public financing of costs of coverage of train units and railway, motorway and
road tunnels from public funds. Cooperation between the private sector and relevant public
administration authorities regarding potential support of such projects.
Measure C
To start negotiations between mobile operators, carriers, public and private entities active in railway
passenger transport regarding the implementation of technologies for signal amplification/conversion
(repeaters) into rolling stock. To start negotiations between mobile operators, Road and Motorway
Directorate and Railway Infrastructure Administration regarding the coverage of tunnels with the
signal of mobile operators.
18
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