European railway industry launches 5G FRMCS trials, field tests in 2027

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Three laboratories operated by Ericsson, Nokia, and Kontron are testing the compatibility and compliance of equipment from different suppliers with the latest FRMCS specifications. This integration effort covers onboard radios, dispatching systems, 5G networks, and mission-critical communications. Engineers will test voice services, railway emergency calls, and data exchange for the European Train Control System (ETCS), automatic train operation, and train control and monitoring systems. The laboratories will also examine interoperability between suppliers and the interaction between FRMCS and the existing GSM-R system, aiming to support a gradual migration without disrupting railway operations.

The alliance has released a set of common system test cases based on FRMCS version 2.2, covering onboard and trackside equipment, as well as the interfaces connecting various system components. Preparations for operational trials are underway simultaneously. Infrastructure managers such as the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Authority (ADIF), German Railway Infrastructure Company (DB InfraGO), Dutch Railway Infrastructure Management Company (ProRail), and the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) are installing antenna masts, onboard equipment, and 5G mission-critical technology on selected railway lines. Field tests, including cross-border scenarios, are expected to begin in 2027.