DB will work with mobile providers Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica as well as two network technologies (3G and 4G) to enable WLAN hotspots on trains. However, when the service is poor, a new information portal, which is also available offline, ill provide news, and up-to-date travel and tourist information.

DB aims to provide all of its passengers with permanent internet access, and has measured the mobile network coverage on 21,000km of its network. The minimum data rate of 10MB/s could be reached by Telekom customers on 54% of the network, while Vodafone provided coverage of 44% and Telefonica 33%.

However, a combination of the three networks can cover 87% of the network, meaning passengers on a 1h 30min trip would be without reception for only 15 minutes. Further investment is essential for reliable provision of the system.

DB is in talks with telecommunication companies about further expansion of the network.