Multi-operator 4G coverage launched on Berlin’s U-Bahn

The project has now been expanded, with the multi-operator, multi-frequency idDAS providing secure, reliable, high bandwidth 4G cellular connectivity for subscribers of Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom.

idDAS is a fully digital and scalable wireless coverage solution that delivers the high data throughput and capacity required to support the hundreds of millions of passengers who use the U-Bahn every year.

The digital solution reduces the number of base stations required, and due to its infrastructure - which involves cascading remote units - requires minimal hardware and fibre. As a result, idDAS is providing a cost effective and energy efficient solution with maximum resilience and minimal signal loss, while delivering a homogenous, consistent, reliable signal to U-Bahn passengers.

“We’ve been working with Telefónica for a number of years now to phase out old equipment and deliver a much-needed upgrade to the U-Bahn - so phasing in both Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone was the logical next step,” said Ingo Flömer, CTO, Sales, Marketing and Business Development.

“Now, subscribers of Germany’s ‘Big Three’ operators can all enjoy a better passenger experience, and access 4G data services. The benefits extend to other stakeholders involved too; the digital nature of idDAS means it’s straightforward to configure and to upgrade to 5G when commercial services are fully rolled out.

“Connecting underground routes comes with its own set of unique challenges, including limited physical space to house hardware. However, the BTS hotel concept means we’ve been able to locate these outside of the U-Bahn in a separate technical room, from which capacity can be directed to the metro,” added Ingo.

Upon completion, the system will cover the entire Berlin U-Bahn; one of the biggest metros in Europe. The wholly digital architecture is accompanied by Cobham Wireless’ Active Element Manager, a management, operations and support centre which facilitates system upgrades and network configuration changes. 4G coverage is currently available on almost half of the U-Bahn network, with other areas being phased in over the coming months.

The project follows the success of a number of global DAS deployments across underground transport routes, including Cobham Wireless’ 100th metro deployment in China, as well as in the world’s longest fully automated network in the Middle East and the longest road tunnel in South Asia. At present, Cobham Wireless equipment is in use in more than 70% of the metros worldwide.