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Germany's Train Wi-Fi Lags Behind Europe Despite Improvements

Germany's train Wi-Fi is slow and outdated, despite recent improvements. To boost passenger experience, upgrades and investment are needed.

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1 min read
In this picture we can see a train, and we can find text on the train.
In this picture we can see a train, and we can find text on the train.

Germany's Train Wi-Fi Lags Behind Europe Despite Improvements

Germany's train Wi-Fi faces challenges despite recent improvements. Punctuality dropped to a low of 55 percent in September 2025, while Wi-Fi speeds lag behind other European countries. Deutsche Bahn, which operates WIFI@DB and WIFIonICE networks, aims to enhance performance.

Germany ranks sixth in Europe for train Wi-Fi download speed at 14.85 Mbit/s and fifth for upload at 16.09 Mbit/s. However, Sweden leads with 64.58 Mbit/s, a significant improvement from the first quarter of 2024. Germany's slow progress is partly due to the widespread use of outdated WLAN 4 technology, present in nearly two out of five connections. Upgrading to WLAN 5 could boost performance by up to 242 percent.

Ookla ranked Germany's train internet performance in the upper third globally. Yet, Germany lags behind in 5-GHz band usage, with only 73.4 percent, second to last among European countries. Passenger experience is directly linked to the quality of on-board digital services, including Wi-Fi. Sweden's success in mobile coverage along railway lines is attributed to targeted state investments and network expansion requirements.

Germany's train Wi-Fi faces a mixed picture: decent global ranking but slow progress and outdated technology hinder performance. To improve passenger experience, Deutsche Bahn and the government must prioritize network upgrades and invest in modern infrastructure.

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