My Bergdahl, TechSverige and Lina Lagerroth, Tågföretagen welcome government proposal for improved connectivity on trains

A window of opportunity for better connectivity on trains

Train passengers want a fast, stable connection and to be able to make calls and surf without interruption. Already last year, the government announced that it had set aside SEK 25 million for measures to improve mobile connectivity on trains in 2021 and the same amount in 2022. The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, PTS, has submitted proposals for measures, which IT&Telekomföretagen and Tågföretagen view positively and comment on in a consultation response.

- We welcome the proposals but we call for a common long-term plan so that all actors involved - both in the train and telecom industry - can pull in the same direction," says My Bergdahl, industry policy expert at IT&Telekomföretagen.

- So-called radio-transparent windows, or RF windows, have already been installed in several European countries with good results and should be a long-term solution in Sweden as well, My Bergdahl continues.

One of the measures that PTS proposes to support is testing of RF windows.

- It is a good proposal from PTS, but we would like it to be made clear that support can also be paid for the installation of equipment and that it should not be required that it is a temporary solution," says Lina Lagerroth, industrial policy expert at Tågföretagen.

- In addition, it is important that the government handles the proposals quickly so that the money allocated for the year can also be used," continues Lina Lagerroth.
The Government will now consider the proposals and the comments received, and it is hoped that a decision on the further process will be made as soon as possible.

- We again call on the authorities to make use of the power and experience available within the framework of our cooperation. We now look forward to being involved in the continued work," conclude Lina Lagerroth and My Bergdahl.

Read more:
IT&Telecom companies' consultation response
PTS report: Improved opportunities for good mobile connectivity on long-distance trains