Improved Coverage on Board High Speed Trains in Sweden

Talking on the phone on board the X2000 high speed trains will now be much easier. Amplifiers of mobile coverage are now being installed on all of these trains. Everyone who travels on these trains has probably realized that the mobile coverage varies as the train travels. This is partly due to the train's construction (steel and sheet metal), which makes it difficult for the mobile signals to reach the mobiles inside the trains' wagons. The other reason is the fact that mobile operators don't have a complete network outside along the rail track.

There are now changes in progress. In co-operation with the mobile operators, the train operator SJ is now installing mobile amplifiers on board all of the X2000 trains.

"SJ is investing in improving the mobile coverage in order to offer the passengers better service", says Jacob Wennman, project leader at SJ. The train ride is 'your useful time' and one should be able to choose t talk on the phone, just rest or surf on the internet.

Enhanced mobile coverage also means improved information for the passengers as the SJ staff will much easier receive notice of possible disturbances in the traffic. The mobile coverage will be made possible through the installation of a repeater in each wagon. The repeater is connected to an outer and inner antenna system that transmits the mobile signals throughout the train.

X 2000 is the brand name of Sweden's tilting 200 km/h high-speed train class X2, which is operated by SJ. Though the top speed of 200 km/h is unremarkable internationally, X 2000 deserves the reputation as a high-speed train since it cut journey times by about a quarter, enough to be competitive with airlines on many major routes. It typically averages about 150 km/h."

Posted to the site on 12th June 2006