Telecommunications

May 28, 2026

Mobile communication site Murten: From soil sample to network operation

In this case, the Murten mobile communications site doesn't just mean mast construction, technology, and network connection. Before the new site could be established for a provider, it first had to be clarified whether the subsoil could safely support the planned facility from a geological perspective.

The site is located in close proximity to Lake Murten. Therefore, the soil conditions were an important factor in the preparation. In such areas, groundwater, soil layers, and load-bearing capacity can influence the later execution. Consequently, a geological survey was conducted at the beginning. It provided the data necessary for further planning and the foundation.

Start with the soil sample

In the beginning, the question was how stable the building ground at the site is. Its proximity to the lake made this clarification important because groundwater and soil layers can have a direct impact on the foundation.

For this purpose, boreholes were drilled to a depth of 7 meters. Dynamic probing was also used as a supplementary method. This tests the resistance of the soil and whether it can support the planned construction.

Based on the results and the engineer's calculations, the dimensions and measures for the foundation were established to such an extent that the required soil pressure could be met.

Based on this, the next steps for the foundation, mast assembly, and technical equipment followed.

From foundation to mast

After the geological ground survey, further work was planned. Pouring the foundation, delivery to the construction site, crane work, mast assembly, electrical installation, and fiber optic connection had to be coordinated in terms of timing. Since the actual construction time on site was around two weeks, thorough preparation was crucial.

First, the excavation was created and the foundation basket was prepared on the mast for later assembly. After the concrete had cured for the required amount of time, the individual parts of the approximately 20-meter-high steel pipe mast could be delivered, unloaded, and staged for erection. The mast was then erected step by step.

After the tower erection, the technical equipment was installed. This included work on the mast, the equipment cabinets, and the power and fiber optic connections to the site. Only then did the steel structure become a functioning mobile communications site.

Once construction and installation work was completed, the Murten cellular site was technically commissioned and integrated into the network. The site now supports regional network coverage and ensures more stable connections for phone calls, mobile work, and data transfer.

Subject area: Technology and the Environment

Mobile phone towers elicit a variety of reactions. Many people use mobile connections every day without a second thought. At the same time, new towers are often viewed with skepticism, especially when they are built in the immediate vicinity.

Those who want to inform themselves about mobile communications, limit values, and responsibilities will find information at the Federal Office of Communications. further details.

A location that becomes part of the infrastructure

The new mast complements a provider's mobile network in the Murten region. Customers will hardly notice the site in detail later. It is part of the infrastructure that is meant to simply function in everyday life, whether for making calls, working on the go, or exchanging data.

Project data

Project period 
April 2026

Project location
Murten

WeissAppetito_Logo