Global telco Vodafone has partnered with telecoms equipment vendor Ericsson to deploy multiband mobile radio antennas in the 1.4 km Arlinger Tunnel near Pforzheim, Germany.
According to Ericsson, the installation marks the first operational use of its advanced antenna technology engineered to deliver robust and stable 5G coverage in tunnel environments subject to high levels of vibration and air pressure changes.
The Arlinger Tunnel, stretching 1,400 meters on the edge of Black Forest region, links both car and rail commuters in Baden-Württemberg, and maintaining uninterrupted connectivity is vital for both convenience and safety.
According to the partner companies, the five Ericsson tunnel-optimised antennas now installed will provide Vodafone customers traveling through the tunnel with continuous mobile reception, uninterrupted voice calls, and high-speed data.
Ericsson says the Logarithmic Periodic antennas’ unique aerodynamic cone shape minimises the impact of wind turbulence and pressure waves caused by passing vehicles and trains.
According to Vodafone, this significantly reduces vibration on the antenna structure, increasing durability and transmission reliability.
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"Closing dead spots in tunnels is particularly challenging for structural reasons alone," said Marc Hoelzer, Head of Network Development at Vodafone.
"Passing cars and trains set large air masses in motion in tunnels, which can lead to vibrations in the antenna technology and thus impair the transmission and reception performance of mobile phone antennas.
"This places special demands on the wind resistance of the antennas used and their installation."
The installation is part of Vodafone’s broader plan to provide more tunnels with the new antenna.
“This project shows the power of advanced antenna innovation in solving real-world connectivity challenges," said Mikael Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Antenna System.
"Tunnel antennas allow users to stay connected with 5G network while traveling on trains or on the motorway.
"We’re proud to support Vodafone in delivering 5G where it matters most, including complex environments like tunnels.
"The new antenna is a great example of how Ericsson is enabling high-performing mobile networks in every scenario on the surface and underground.”