5G is on its way to 69 underground metro stations in India’s capital territory. In fact, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), 29 underground stations have been successfully upgraded to 5G and infrastructure work is in progress at the remaining 40 underground stations, including associated tunnels.
The underground network so far covers just over 100 kilometres out of the total DMRC network of slightly more than 390 kilometres. According to local news reports, there’s already 4G across the network but 5G services will, it is suggested, mean uninterrupted high-quality streaming and seamless connectivity for passengers .
The work of cable laying and installation of equipment for 5G mobile connectivity at underground stations is expected to be completed within five months, a fairly impressive timescale given that work can only take place at night when passengers aren’t using the metro. Operators Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea are being requested to provide 5G connectivity at underground stations.
The relevant infrastructure comprises telecom towers, in-building solutions and small cells. According to India’s Economic Times, around 240 telecom towers are provided across the elevated corridors to enhance mobile coverage in surroundings of about 250 metres, while small cells help to boost mobile coverage in areas of about 100 metres.
When complete this will be, arguably, another major milestone for the ongoing rollout of 5G throughout India which is progressing at an impressive pace.
