The digitalization of Berlin is advancing and the need for data continually growing. Many fields have seen new technologies introduced, such as smart parking applications, intelligent traffic management systems or moisture sensors in green spaces. Smart city solutions like these only work, however, if they are able to access extensive datasets.
Robust digital infrastructure is required for collecting and analyzing all this data.
This is where the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) comes in, a high-performance wireless network that can receive and transmit especially small data volumes over long distances with good energy efficiency. This applies even in places where cell network or WLAN coverage is insufficient. Tall locations, such as the tower in Berlin TXL, are particularly suitable for this thanks to their extensive reach.
In November 2023, Berlin’s Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Martina Klement came together with other organizations such as InfraLab Berlin e.V. (the innovation workshop for infrastructure providers), BSR, BVG, GASAG, Stromnetz Berlin, the Berliner Wasserbetriebe, BIM and Vattenfall Wärme Berlin, to sign a declaration of intent to develop and launch a new, Berlin-wide LoRaWAN.
At the end of 2023, therefore, as a contribution to Berlin’s digital public service, a LoRaWAN gateway was installed on the roof of the tower as part of the Berlin-wide LoRa wireless network for communal utility and disposal companies in Berlin TXL. The installation of the facility was undertaken by the Berlin Energie Netz und Service GmbH, which is responsible for setting up the network.
At the same time, Tegel Projekt GmbH installed its own open LoRa gateway on the tower, thereby expanding the global LoRa network of The Things Network (TTN). This gateway can be used by all residents on the site. We hope this will encourage the interest and participation of all in the smart city.
