Israel Railways to Improve Mobile and WiFi Access with NIS 68 Million Upgrade

Israel Railways is set to undergo a major technological upgrade with a NIS 68 million investment aimed at dramatically improving mobile reception and internet connectivity for passengers. The Transportation and Communications Ministries unveiled the plan following years of complaints over dropped calls and poor browsing quality during train journeys.

The initiative follows a successful pilot program that tackled one of the main barriers to stable connectivity: the double-glazed windows used in train carriages. These windows, while excellent for insulation, have been shown to block cellular signals. Engineers used laser etching to modify the glass, reducing signal interference. The result? A significant improvement in both mobile reception and internet speed.

To date, 30 train carriages have been fitted with the new windows. Going forward, all newly manufactured train cars will arrive with laser-etched glass as a standard feature.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev has ordered the initiative to be expanded across the entire rail network. “We are committed to making public transportation not only accessible and efficient, but also digitally connected,” she said.

In addition to window modifications, officials are working on further enhancements, including installing WiFi boosters and internal wireless systems across train cars. A nationwide rollout of WiFi at every train station is also in the pipeline.

Complementing the upgrades, the Communications Ministry is coordinating a large-scale project to expand cellular coverage along Israel’s railway lines especially in tunnels and rural sections where service is often unreliable. Under new agreements, Israel Railways will allow mobile operators to build antennas on land near tracks and stations to extend coverage.

“Transportation infrastructure must be integrated with critical communications infrastructure,” said Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. “Especially in emergencies, passengers must be able to stay connected at all times.”

Elad Makedasi, Director-General of the Communications Ministry, added that the dual strategy of laser-etched windows and expanded antenna deployment will “significantly improve mobile service on trains and enhance overall cellular coverage across Israel.”

These changes are expected not only to improve passenger satisfaction but also to enhance emergency readiness, ensuring uninterrupted communication during travel a vital component in today’s connected world.

Israel continues to upgrade its national infrastructure with intelligence, precision, and foresight. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more news on the innovations improving everyday life across the country.