High-Speed train passengers now have mobile coverage in all HSL tunnels between Breda and Amsterdam

Train passengers traveling on the high-speed rail (HSL) route between Breda and Amsterdam now have full mobile coverage in all tunnels. In recent months, extensive work has been carried out to ensure mobile connectivity in the seven-kilometer-long Groene Hart Tunnel, the final of five tunnels that have been equipped with mobile antennas over the past years. As a result, the message “no mobile coverage” is now a thing of the past for passengers on this route.

Due to the numerous tunnels along the line, mobile coverage in HSL trains was impacted  — a major inconvenience, especially since many travelers rely on their train journey to catch up on work or watch a film. Recognizing this need, Dutch mobile operators have worked hard in recent years to enhance the mobile experience for train passengers on this specific route. KPN, as the lead operator, collaborated with Odido and Vodafone to install mobile infrastructure in the HSL tunnels.

This was an exceptionally complex project requiring specialized installation techniques, as trains travel at high speeds through the tunnels. The systems had to be designed in such a way that they could withstand the pressure generated by these high velocities. Additionally, work could only be carried out during scheduled service interruptions. ProRail and Infraspeed facilitated the installation process over the past years, ensuring that mobile coverage is now available in all five tunnels. In the coming period, the network will be closely monitored and optimized to ensure seamless connectivity.