The Norwegian Railway Directorate announced a plan for optimized mobile phone and network connections which is estimated at EUR 310 million (NOK 3 billion). The plan proposes the development of a better phone coverage in four country’s largest cities, in the first phase.
Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger are the four cities which will initially benefit improved mobile network connections for railway passengers.
The Directorate has submitted the plan improved mobile coverage to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which describes the current situation and highlights the way railways in Norway can get better and satisfactory mobile coverage.
According to the plan, a packed train of 600 passengers, where everyone wants the best internet coverage, challenges more players – not just mobile operators. The sharp increase of in train passengers puts both mobile operators, train companies, Norske tog AS and Bane NOR to the trial.
The plan was prepared in consultation with Bane NOR, the rail infrastructure manager, Norwegian Train, and telecom operators Telenor, ICE and Telia. The purpose of the plan is to get a thorough overview of the current coverage situation for the travelers and then analyze possible remedies and get an overview of the necessary measures that must be taken by the railway and telecom operators as well as the associated costs to achieve satisfactory mobile coverage on the various crossings entire country.
Norway is in the world’s top countries which uses smart smartphones, tablets and data. According to estimations made by, from 2015 to 2022, the number of smartphone device users is forecasted to increase from 3.5 million to 4.8 million. In addition, according to Deloitte’s report on Nordic mobile consumer behavior, Norway had the highest smartphone adoption in 2017, with 92%, compared to 86% in Denmark and Finland.
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