National Train Operator Sees WiFi Window of Opportunity

Finnish state-owned train company, VR, is making a renewed effort to improve its on-board WiFi service. This year, the company says it will alter all windows in a transparent bid to help boost reception from cell-towers inside the carriages.

The move follows the 5 million euros VR spent on train WiFi last year. However, according to Finnish broadcaster, YLE, this investment had little impact on passenger WiFi connections  

VR’s latest plan is to laser-engrave windows as a means of improving access to mobile base stations as trains roll past them. The company argues that currently mobile phone reception is hampered by the poor permeability of radio signals into train cars, and their rapid movement past telecom operators' base stations.

Laser engraving burns patterns onto train windows, which in turn improves the ability of data and phone signals to penetrate the train interior. VR says it will laser 10,000 windows over the next two years, starting next month, but a recent press release did not reveal how much the project will cost.

The ability to work on board – including holding video conferences and phone calls – has been a key part of the train operator's marketing push as it bids to compete with airlines on domestic routes.

Interviewed on YLE in 2024, Joakim Strand, at the time a government minister, seemed to speak for many Finns when he claimed that the signal strength “Definitely pisses you off.”

Changes to carriage windows, trackside delivery and the increasing use of LEO satellites to boost connectivity will all be fully discussed at this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference, hosted by BWCS in London (www.Traincomms.com ).

The Main Sponsors for Traincomms 2025 are Icomera and Huber+Suhner, Westermo, Antonics, Galgus and Nomad Digital are also Sponsoring the Conference.

Xentrans, CGI, and Lantech are the Expo Sponsors

For more information on attending the 2025 Conference please contact [email protected]

The full programme for this year’s Traincomms Conference is available here: https://www.traincomms.com/#content2b