SNCB has decided to permanently shelve its plan to install a wifi connection on trains. On the other hand, the windows of the wagons will be adapted to allow better connectivity via 4G or 5G.
The SNCB is definitively burying the idea of a wifi connection on trains, even though it turns out to be very expensive (173 million euros). However, the windows will be adapted to allow better connectivity to the telecom network on trains, Het Nieuwsblad, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Belang van Limburg reported on Monday.
The boss of the Belgian railways, Sophie Dutordoir, had already swept away any hope of accessing wifi on trains, judging the initiative “too expensive”.
The Minister of Mobility, Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo), this time mentioned concrete amounts in the House. To equip all trains with a Wi-Fi signal, an investment of 160 million euros would have to be made. To which we would have to add operating costs of around 13 million euros. In addition, trains would still have to be immobilized and additional staff hired to install wifi and maintain it.
It was therefore decided, after several pilot projects, to opt for a measure that would allow better connectivity on trains, by allowing passengers to surf via 4G or 5G.
Specifically, the coating of train windows is being modified for this purpose, so that the signal penetrates the trains better. This operation would cost around 40 million euros, according to Mr. Gilkinet.
Furthermore, the environmental minister recognizes that mobile telephone coverage remains insufficient on certain parts of the Belgian railway network.
sncb trains wifi in the train 4G connection 5G connection
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