If you've ever tried to send a message via text while riding a train iMessage, reply to email from MacBookor connect to FaceTime from your iPhone, you've probably encountered the classic problem - a poor signal. But now Czech Railways is taking it to a whole new level andoneare actively taking concrete steps to make train travel an experience worthy of the 21st century.
The state-owned carrier has just signed a contract to modernize more than two hundred carriages with technology that has so far only been available on the newest InterJet and ComfortJet trains. These are specially modified windows through which mobile signals will flow much more easily than before. The entire technology will be provided by AGC Glass. Europe SA, which will perform the adjustment using a laser - all for a total amount of 29 million crowns.
Lesson finish dateancThanks to the subsidy program of the Czech Telecommunications Office called Technical resources for 5G in railway rolling stock The modernization is proceeding smoothly into the final stages. And the fact that this is no small project is confirmed by the numbers: up to 233 cars that serve Czech Railways on cross-border lines and the busiest domestic corridors are to be laser-modified.
For example, the types Bmz245, Bmz232, ARmpee829, Bdpee231, Ampz143 and others are waiting for intervention. All of these cars can handle speeds of over 160 km/h, and they are the ones with stable traction.oneActivity while driving is key.
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When nestthe window opens, the repeater starts
But the miracle of better window transparency is not the only innovation. Czech Railways has also started installing so-called 5G repeaters – devices that can transmit and amplify mobile signals directly into the interior of the train. If you have iPhone with 5G support, a completely different level of online comfort awaits you.
The technology is already physically present in all Railjet units and its activation is now underway. The technical solution for Pendolino and InterPantera is also ready, and the documentation for approval by the Railway Authority is being finalized. "Everything is going according to plan and the repeaters should be ready by the end of the year," confirms Michal Krapinec, CEO of Czech Railways.
And how does such a train repeater work? On the roof of the train, a broadband antenna captures the signal of all operators, transmits it to the unit, where the device amplifies it and distributes it evenly to all parts of the train. The system automatically adjusts its power according to the current coverage and is also protected by railway security via GSM-R filters. In other words – whether you have iPhone, iPad or MacBook, the connection will be tooneas reliable as home Wi-Fi.
Will offline places be closed soon?
The bet on a combination of laser-transmitting windows and cutting-edge 5G repeaters is a clear signal that Czech Railways is serious about technology. After years of complaints and offline mode during travel, this is finally happening.oneIt's a bright future - whether you want to stream while you're on the go Apple TV+, work through MacBook or simply be online on the way from Prague to Brno.
An upgrade is underway on the tracks, which fans of technology and Apple products will perhaps be appreciated more than a new track. The next time you take the train, you may not need to look for the signal at the door. It will come to you.
