Europe is entering a decisive phase for the future of rail communications, with the transition from traditional systems to the new 5G-based generation. This step is important not only from the perspective of technical modernization but also for safety, interoperability, and the continuity of rail operations across the continent. At the heart of this transition is FRMCS, the system set to replace the GSM-R standard and become the foundation of rail communications for the coming decades.
During the mid-term conference of the FP2-MORANE-2 project, the European consortium* presented the expansion of FRMCS testing to three specialized laboratories, marking the start of an intensive validation phase for the new infrastructure. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as GSM-R—the technology used for decades in railway communications—is nearing the end of its life cycle. The European sector is thus accelerating preparations for a platform that is more flexible, faster, and better suited to today’s digital requirements.
“FRMCS is a strategic element for the future of rail mobility in Europe. Through FP2-MORANE-2, the railway community is demonstrating its collective ability to deliver interoperable, future-proof, and resilient communication systems that will enhance both the operational performance and the appeal of rail transport,” said François Davenne, Director General of the International Union of Railways (UIC).
Common Architecture for Interoperability
The project aims to integrate essential components for modern railway communications, ranging from on-board radios and dispatching systems to 5G networks and interconnection with GSM-R. At the same time, voice communications, railway emergency calls, and compatibility with ETCS, ATO, and TCMS systems are being tested. The goal is clear: seamless operation across different suppliers and in cross-border contexts.
A unified set of system tests, based on the FRMCS v2.2 specifications, has already been published, providing the industry with a common framework for evaluating equipment under conditions close to real-world operation. This step is essential for standardization, as it enables performance comparison and interoperability validation in a consistent manner across Europe.
Laboratory and Field Tests
Laboratory tests are being conducted at the facilities of Ericsson, Nokia, and Kontron, where the FRMCS system’s connectivity, compatibility with GSM-R, and the interaction between equipment supplied by different manufacturers are verified. These tests serve as the technical screening process that solutions must pass before being deployed on the railway network.
At the same time, five field tests are being prepared in several European countries. These will take place on two Adif lines, one DB InfraGO line, one Trafikverket line, and one ProRail line; four of the routes are conventional, while the fifth is part of Spain’s high-speed network. In Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, infrastructure managers are already installing the necessary equipment—ranging from communication poles and on-board systems to critical FRMCS devices based on 5G—so that operational tests can begin in 2027.
“For the first time, the entire European rail sector has worked together to lay the groundwork for the telecommunications system of the future. The current tests represent a crucial milestone, but the full implementation of FRMCS must be accelerated at the European level, as the digital transformation of rail transport is only just beginning,” said Enno Wiebe, Director General of UNIFE.
From GSM-R to 5G
GSM-R, the standard currently used for rail communications, was developed more than two decades ago under the coordination of the UIC and remains the backbone of the European rail communications network. Based on 2G technology, the system is deployed on over 130,000 kilometers of rail track in Europe and approximately 210,000 kilometers globally, ensuring train interoperability and supporting the operation of ERTMS.
However, as GSM-R nears the end of its life cycle—estimated to be around 2035—the industry must prepare for the transition well in advance. FRMCS is not merely a technological change but also a prerequisite for maintaining operational continuity and avoiding the risks associated with the aging of the current infrastructure.
The FP2-MORANE-2 project will run for 34 months and brings together infrastructure operators, railway equipment manufacturers, and telecommunications companies. Funding comes from Horizon Europe, and the total value of the project is 13.5 EUR million. Coordination is provided by UIC, alongside dozens of partners contributing to the technical and operational validation of the future standard.
FRMCS is seen as a decisive step toward the digitalization of European railways, as it will enable the transmission of much larger volumes of data—necessary for automated trains, traffic optimization, real-time infrastructure monitoring, and the development of more efficient services. In this context, the transition from GSM-R to FRMCS is no longer just a technological option, but a strategic milestone for the entire European railway system.
*UNIFE (which represents the railway industry), railway infrastructure managers such as Adif (Spain), BaneDanmark (Denmark), Bane Nor (Norway), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Infrabel (Belgium), Network Rail (United Kingdom), ProRail (Netherlands), RFI (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), Trafikverket (Sweden), and Väylävirasto (Finland). The companies in the railway industry participating in the project are Alstom, CAF, Ericsson, Eviden, Frequentis, Funkwerk, Hitachi Rail GTS, Kontron, Nokia, RideOnTrack, Siemens, Teltronic, and Viavi Solutions, and there are also two mobile network operators (KPN—the Netherlands and Telia—Sweden).
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