Tunnel Radio Coverage – South Africa

AlanDick’s specialist radio design team, joined up with a Pan-Africa Mobile Network Operator, to work on a GSM radio tunnel project for a national mining company in South Africa.

Included in the project scope was:

• Conceptual design
• Detailed design
• Implementation supervision

The solutions were required to utilise a mix of fibre optic repeaters/antennas and conventional cell extender technology.

The challenge was to provide continuous GSM coverage solutions for 37 tunnels in total - from 262m up to 4.9km long - with a wide range of geological formations.

The team’s solutions addressed an RF signal level of -85dBm with 95% availability; as well as access restrictions in an extremely harsh environment. In addition, there were rigorous safety demands during the implementation and operational phases of the project.

The tunnel solutions that AlanDick’s specialist team helped to create now enable the mining company to have continuous GSM coverage over its rail link.

This project is another example of AlanDick’s ability to provide unique solutions in global locations.