A Peek Into the Future - Bullet Trains Get 5G Window Upgrade

A handful of Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains are to be fitted out with new 5G-enabled windows. The glass, with in-built antennas, will be installed in some carriages as part of a series of private suites. The new areas will also have special NTT-developed noise-cancelling technology.

Rail operator JR Central said it plans to install two such suites on each of six trains initially, with further roll out expected later. The 5G-friendly windows have been developed by AGC and have microscopic wires woven into the glass, these are then connected to an on-board WiFi router.

AGC says rival tech relies on 5G signals reaching a train and then bouncing around inside before reaching the WiFi unit. The company says antennas woven into train windows maintain line of sight to nearby 5G base stations, which, given the speed attained by the “bullet” trains, is vital for keeping the connection live.

According to its website, AGC's WAVETHRU technology “prevents metallic-coated windows from blocking 4G/5G signals, improving connectivity by up to 300 times.” The company also offers the ability to integrate LCD screens directly into glass, creating transparent information displays on the window itself.

Several train companies, including SJ, DB Regio, SBB, Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon (BLS) railway and the Rhein-Ruhr-Express in Germany have utilized special "laser-treated" or frequency-selective glass to improve mobile phone signals inside carriages. Pulsaart (AGC), nu-glass and Siemens have all been involved in these efforts to combat the "Faraday cage" effect that blocks electromagnetic waves and degrades mobile reception.

The spread of on-board WiFi services, trackside wireless delivery and the increasing use of new windows and 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 2026 are Icomera, Huber+Suhner and Nomad Digital. Westermo, Hughes Europe, CGI, Unwired and Eutelsat are also Sponsoring the Conference. Antonics is an Expo Sponsor.

Tickats to attend the Conference are available now via http://traincomms.com/book1.cfm and we will invoice you at the discounted rate.

For more information on attending this year’s Conference please contact [email protected]