Ericsson and Vodafone Deliver Seamless 5G in Germany's Arlinger Tunnel

In a groundbreaking move for underground connectivity, Ericsson and Vodafone have successfully installed five advanced mobile antennas in the Arlinger Tunnel, located near Pforzheim in the Black Forest region of Germany. This 1,400-meter tunnel serves both road and rail traffic, making it a vital artery in Baden-Wurttemberg's transport network.

The project features the first commercial use of Ericsson Antenna System's multiband solution, designed specifically to withstand pressure waves, turbulence, and vibration in enclosed tunnel environments. Vodafone customers now enjoy uninterrupted mobile reception and high-speed data throughout the tunnel, thanks to this cutting-edge deployment.

The aerodynamic design of the antennas-based on Logarithmic Periodic technology - minimizes wind drag and vibration caused by fast-moving vehicles and trains. This boosts reliability, ensures signal integrity, and extends the hardware's operational lifespan under intense mechanical stress.

Supporting frequencies from 2G to 5G, the antennas enable seamless handoffs and stable throughput, even in the difficult propagation environment of concrete tunnels. According to Vodafone's Head of Network Development, Marc Hoelzer, overcoming antenna stability challenges in such dynamic airflow conditions was key to the project's success.

The Arlinger Tunnel deployment forms part of Vodafone's broader nationwide initiative to expand 5G coverage across Germany. Peter Boch, Mayor of Pforzheim, emphasized that uninterrupted mobile access in infrastructure like the Arlinger Tunnel is a 'key milestone' in modernizing the city's digital landscape.

With Ericsson's robust tunnel-specific technology, this partnership reinforces the long-standing cooperation between the two companies, aiming to bring next-generation connectivity into even the most structurally complex environments. More tunnels are expected to be equipped with this system in the coming months.

Ericsson's Head of Antenna Systems, Mikael Eriksson, called the project 'a great example of how Ericsson is enabling high-performing mobile networks in every scenario - on the surface and underground.'

This success underscores the importance of engineering innovation tailored to real-world challenges. It also demonstrates how specialized antenna systems can transform passive infrastructure into intelligent, connected environments capable of supporting everything from personal communication to autonomous transport applications.