Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Belgian Railways will enhance 4G connectivity on trains instead of installing WiFi, citing costs of €160 million. Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet announced a €40 million investment to improve signals by adjusting window coatings, aiming for 15% faster email sending.
The issue of WiFi on trains is still being discussed, especially since it’s available on international and Dutch trains. The CEO of Belgian Railways, Sophie Dutordoir, said that providing WiFi is “too expensive.” Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet noted that connecting all trains to WiFi would cost 160 million euros and have an annual cost of 13 million euros. Because of this, a new plan is being created to improve data connections on trains, allowing passengers to use the internet with 4G or 5G.
How will Belgian railways enhance mobile signals on trains?
Train window coatings are being changed to improve phone signals. The coating helps keep the train cool but can block some signals. By adjusting it, the phone signal inside the train will become stronger, making it easier for passengers to use their phones. This update will take place during major repairs for older trains and at the factory for new ones, costing about 40 million euros. It has been said that with this change, sending emails on the train will be 15 percent faster, and phone batteries will last longer because they won’t have to work as hard to find a signal.
The NMBS is switching from wifi to mobile data since it’s cheaper and works just as well. Minister Gilkinet knows that some forest areas in Wallonia don’t have a good signal and wants to talk to telecom companies to fix this.
