Enhanced Mobile Connectivity at Munich Metro Stations Now by Vodafone
In the heart of Germany, Vodafone is revolutionising the digital landscape of Munich by introducing 5G technology to its U-Bahn (subway) stations. This move aims to provide faster, more reliable mobile internet access and support advanced digital services for commuters[1].
The modernisation works, scheduled between February 1 and 14, 2023, will see the replacement of existing network technology at the central mobile network facility in Munich's U-Bahn stations with new network components[2]. This upgrade will improve network coverage and capacity in indoor and underground environments, where mobile signals are traditionally weak or unstable.
The benefits to users include significantly faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability of mobile connections while travelling through the subway system[1]. In fact, 5G networks in Munich have recorded download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, placing the city among the leading European urban areas for high-speed 5G access[1].
These improvements will enable commuters to stream high-quality video, access real-time transit updates, use advanced digital applications, and enjoy seamless connectivity without disruption during their journeys. Furthermore, 5G's low latency indoors (though generally higher than outdoors) allows for improved real-time services, such as augmented reality navigation, live communications, and potentially safer and more efficient operational monitoring of the transit system itself[1][2].
In addition to this 5G rollout, Vodafone is committed to providing customers with a good network and meeting the growing demand for mobile data traffic in Munich. The company's existing 4G network reaches over 99% of all households in Germany[3].
Vodafone is also a leading communications conglomerate in Germany, with every second German being a Vodafone customer[4]. The company provides internet, mobile, fixed-line, and TV services all in one, and has been operating the first 5G network in Germany since mid-2019, reaching over 55 million people. By 2023, Vodafone aims to expand 5G to reach 60 million people[5].
The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal to be carbon neutral by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2040[6]. Vodafone helps other companies minimise their CO2 footprint with smart IoT technologies and uses 100% green energy, electrifies its vehicle fleet, promotes a green supply chain, and ensures that its network technology is fully reused, resold, or recycled[7].
Diversity is deeply rooted in Vodafone's corporate culture, with various measures supporting work-life balance, networks for women, fathers, or LGBTQ+ individuals, and diversity training for leaders[8]. Vodafone is the largest national subsidiary of the Vodafone Group, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies[9].
In the future, the 1800 MHz frequency band will support DSS (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) technology in Munich's U-Bahn stations[10]. The advantage of DSS is that when the LTE network is heavily used, there is still capacity available in the 5G range of the shared band for those using a 5G-enabled smartphone.
Vodafone's 4G network covers almost 97% of Germany's surface area, with its machine network (Narrowband IoT) reaching every corner of the country[11]. The company is a digitalization partner of the German economy, serving start-ups, SMEs, and DAX corporations[12].
Sources:
[1] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn [2] https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Vodafone-baut-5G-Netzwerk-in-der-U-Bahn-auf-4572788.html [3] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn [4] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1045121/market-share-germany-mobile-network-operators/ [5] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn [6] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/nachhaltigkeit/zielsetzungen/ [7] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/nachhaltigkeit/zielsetzungen/ [8] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/nachhaltigkeit/zielsetzungen/ [9] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/nachhaltigkeit/zielsetzungen/ [10] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn [11] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn [12] https://www.vodafone.de/unternehmen/news/2022/06/07/5g-in-der-u-bahn
With the introduction of 5G technology in Munich's U-Bahn stations, commuters can now stream high-quality video, access real-time transit updates, and leverage advanced digital applications on their smartphones and gadgets, thanks to the improved network coverage and capacity provided by Vodafone [1]. In addition, 5G's low latency indoors enables services like augmented reality navigation and potentially safer and more efficient operational monitoring of the transit system [1][2].
