Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 29, Ericsson and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce 5G technology into SAR’s rail operations. The partnership aims to deploy advanced 5G infrastructure and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS), supporting Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.

The agreement details joint deployment of advanced 5G and FRMCS to support Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.

Under the MoU, Ericsson will provide 5G solutions, infrastructure, and technical expertise to upgrade SAR’s rail network communications. The collaboration seeks to establish secure, mission-critical 5G services for rail operations, enhancing connectivity, reliability, and operational oversight.

Plans include developing and testing FRMCS-based applications, high-speed passenger broadband, and digital tools for train control, staff communications, real-time video streaming, and onboard Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. Both parties will set up a laboratory or innovation centre to validate 5G applications in a rail setting and introduce training programmes to equip SAR staff with skills in FRMCS and 5G technologies.

The initiative also includes a trial deployment of Ericsson’s technology on an operational SAR railway line to assess system integration and performance under regular service conditions. Ericsson highlighted that upcoming train technology upgrades will feature enhanced Automated Train Operations, advanced Train Control & Monitoring Systems, and real-time CCTV monitoring, aimed at improving operational oversight and passenger experience.

Modernising SAR’s rail network requires replacing the legacy GSM-R communication system with 5G technology. FRMCS is planned for deployment across approximately 200,000 km of mainline railways, providing a modernised communication backbone for safer and more efficient operations. The upgrades will support both passenger and freight services while enabling digital transformation across the railway network.

This collaboration builds on broader efforts to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s rail infrastructure. In November 2024, Alstom extended its partnership with SAR by signing a five-year Technical Support and Spare Parts Supply Agreement (TSSSA) worth SAR 300 million ($79.8 million) to enhance the east-west freight corridor.

Overall, the Ericsson-SAR initiative is part of a larger strategy to modernise Saudi Arabia’s railway systems, enhance operational efficiency, and support sustainable growth in transport and logistics. By integrating 5G and FRMCS technologies, the partnership aims to improve connectivity, safety, and digital capabilities for rail operators and passengers alike, aligning with the country’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

This step underscores the growing role of advanced communication technologies in modern railway systems, highlighting the importance of innovation, training, and strategic collaboration in achieving next-generation rail operations.