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Engineers used laser etching on carriage windows to reduce interference, and the trial showed marked improvements in mobile reception and browsing speeds.
By Shula Rosen
The Transportation and Communications ministries have unveiled a NIS 68 million plan to improve mobile reception and internet service on Israel Railways, responding to years of passenger complaints about dropped calls and weak connectivity.
The initiative follows a successful pilot program that tackled one of the main obstacles to stable cellular service on trains: double-glazed windows that block signals.
Engineers used laser etching on carriage windows to reduce interference, and the trial showed marked improvements in mobile reception and browsing speeds.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev has instructed that the program be expanded to cover the entire railway network.
To date, 30 carriages have been fitted with the new windows, and all new train cars ordered for Israel will arrive with laser-etched glass as part of their technical specifications.
Officials said the goal is to ensure passengers can maintain reliable phone and internet connections throughout their journeys.
In addition to the window modifications, the ministries are exploring further upgrades, including installing WiFi boosters and wireless systems inside carriages. A nationwide rollout of WiFi coverage at all train stations is also planned.
The Communications Ministry is preparing a complementary project to extend cellular reception along the country’s railway lines, including tunnels where service is often lost.
Under agreements with mobile operators, Israel Railways will make land near tracks and stations available for new antenna sites.
“Transportation infrastructure must be integrated with critical communications infrastructure for all people at all times, especially in emergencies,” said Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi.
Elad Makedasi, Director-General of the Communications Ministry, added that the combination of laser-etched windows and expanded antenna deployment would “significantly improve mobile service on trains and enhance overall cellular coverage across Israel.”
Officials expect the upgrades to not only improve passenger experience but also strengthen emergency readiness by ensuring uninterrupted communication during travel.
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