- Specially designed antennas withstand wind pressure and vibrations
- Vodafone plans wider tunnel deployments as part of 5G expansion
What happened: First real-world use of 5G tunnel antennas in Germany
Ericsson and Vodafone have deployed five tunnel-optimised mobile antennas in the Arlinger Tunnel near Pforzheim, marking the first real-world use of Ericsson’s Logarithmic Periodic antennas. The 1,400-metre tunnel serves both car and rail traffic at the edge of Germany’s Black Forest.
These antennas feature a cone-shaped aerodynamic design that minimises the impact of pressure waves and vibrations caused by passing vehicles and trains. Supporting frequencies from 2G to 5G, they ensure Vodafone users stay connected with stable voice and data services even when travelling underground at high speeds.
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Why it’s important
Providing mobile coverage in tunnels is notoriously difficult due to structural constraints. Vodafone’s Head of Network Development, Marc Hoelzer, noted that strong air movements in tunnels can lead to antenna vibrations that impair performance, requiring antennas with enhanced wind resistance and installation precision.
This deployment is part of Vodafone’s broader strategy to boost 5G availability across Germany, especially in high-mobility zones like motorways and train lines. Ericsson Antenna System head Mikael Eriksson said the project highlights how tailored infrastructure can overcome real-world connectivity challenges and extend 5G to complex environments below ground.
