GINT XT: Deutsche Bahn, mobile operators to bring high-speed Internet to trains

The "Gigabit Innovation Track" (GINT) research and development project launched last year, which aims to significantly improve mobile network coverage along Germany's rail routes, is entering the next round with more participants. For the first time, all four German mobile communications providers want to cooperate within the framework of GINT XT in order to make high-speed Internet on trains a reality together with Deutsche Bahn (DB) and other partners. Compact mobile phone masts directly on the track are to ensure that annoying dead spots along the track and in the carriages are finally a thing of the past.

Based on the predecessor initiative, there is currently only one gigabit test track in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which is around twelve kilometers long. The previous GINT partners DB, Ericsson, O2 Telefónica and Vantage Towers carried out tests on fast internet connections there in 2024.

Radio masts have been erected just a few meters from the tracks at intervals of around one kilometer. This is the prerequisite for setting up the infrastructure for the 5G-based Future Rail Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which is set to replace the current GSM-R rail radio across Europe by 2035. These transmitters can also be used for mobile and data connections for passengers.

1&1, Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone as well as the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are now also on board with GINT XT. The project continues to receive government funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization (BMDS). The participants want to build on the findings from tests and projections that gigabit data rates between train and land should be possible if the 5G frequencies of all mobile phone providers at 3.6 GHz are used for this purpose.

Hamburg – Berlin route to be upgraded for data travelers

According to the plan, the network operators and their partners will test how base stations, software and antennas –, i.e. the Radio Access Network (RAN) –, can be used together. Beyond the targeted 5G range, they want to test both lower frequencies with greater range and even higher spectrum. The compatibility of public mobile radio with FRMCS will also be investigated.

This time, the focus is on technical solutions for area coverage on the Hamburg – Berlin railroad line. According to those involved, it is to become "Germany's innovation route for mobile communications with gigabit data rates on trains". DB and the four local mobile network operators signed a declaration of intent for the open-technology testing, development and application of a coverage concept for 5G on the track during the digital summit in October. Deutsche Bahn intends to use the upcoming general refurbishment of the line to install small masts and other infrastructure for FRMCS, such as supply containers and power and data lines, every two kilometers or so along the tracks.

Video conferencing on trains to become possible

"For a modern state, it must be a matter of course that people can also use the Internet to work, stream and make phone calls on trains without restrictions," said Federal Digital Minister Kasten Wildberger (CDU) at the launch of GINT XT. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, Head of Digitalization and Technology at DB, also knows that passengers want to "work, take part in video conferences or make phone calls on the train". She promises: "Together, we will meet this demand."

Vodafone CEO Marcel de Groot spoke of a "lighthouse project", Abdu Mudesir, Managing Director Technology at Deutsche Telekom, of a "central task for the future". Gigabit on the track is feasible "if everyone pitches in", said O2 CEO Markus Haas optimistically. The use of the entire 5G spectrum should now provide more clarity about future success levers. 1&1 announced that the experience gained from its Open RAN approach

(mho)