The Swiss GSM network operator, sunrise is finalizing the installation of a mobile network comprising about forty sites located around the new LHC (Large Hadron Collider) particle accelerator at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, which is situated on the border between France and Switzerland. Since January 5, 2004, CERN employees have had a brand-new telephone system, constructed by sunrise to replace the previous network, operated by Swisscom.
Constructed on the CERN site on the border between France and Switzerland, the new network comprises 42 sites and five repeaters, providing interior and exterior coverage above ground, and coverage below ground inside the new LHC particle accelerator, which is to be switched on in 2007. The sites are located around the 27-km circumference of the accelerator on both Swiss and French territory. This special feature is a major asset for sunrise, which will be the only Swiss operator to provide its local customers with coverage in the border area using its own network - at particularly advantageous national prices.
The conclusion of this project represents a commercial opportunity which is as unique as it is interesting from the perspective of local cross-border commuters. Effectively, they will no longer have to make use of their provider's foreign roaming partner in order to make calls from the other side of the border. If this advantage is important at a commercial level, the project itself is a success for numerous reasons: The LHC tunnel is one of the longest tunnels in Europe to enjoy mobile phone coverage. In addition, the circular construction of the LHC makes telephone coverage particularly complex due to the fact that the strength of the signal fades as it travels around the circle.
An additional challenge for the sunrise engineers was the fact that the tunnel will be subjected to particles which are accelerated in the LHC once it comes into use in 2007. In order to function in this kind of environment, the telephone equipment had to be installed in specially modified conduits to prevent any interference.
sunrise is the brand name of TDC Switzerland AG, the company resulting from the merger of the telecommunications companies diAx and sunrise."
Posted to the site on 9th February 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/10571.php