GSM-R in context
GSM-R stand for Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway – a specialised mobile network for railways. Based on 2G technology, it has been the go-to system for secure voice and data communication between train drivers, signallers, and control centres. During its operational lifetime, it’s been effective at ensuring safety first because it enables direct communication, even in tunnels and remote areas. Because GSM-R has been adopted by many countries, it’s been important in enabling trains to move seamlessly across borders, thanks in part to its compatibility with systems such as the European Train Control System (ETCS). But the system can’t handle the high-speed data and real-time connectivity that modern railways demand.
Why change is needed
Railways are under pressure to become smarter, safer, and more sustainable, which requires a digital transformation, but GSM-R communication systems built on 2G cannot meet the requirements of the digital railway. GSM-R lacks the bandwidth to support the high-speed, high-volume demands of modern rail operation which need real-time data for functions such as predictive maintenance and live passenger updates. With 2G networks being phased out and hardware becoming obsolete, maintaining the GSM-R system is increasingly costly and unsustainable. The industry needs a future-proof solution and fast.
Meet the successor: FRMCS
FRMCS is a new global standard being developed to replace GSM-R, this system is based on 5G technology, designed to support the shift to digital, automated, and more efficient rail operations. FRMCS isn’t just about faster data, it makes railways safer by enabling quicker, more reliable communication between trains and control centres. It helps operators run things more smoothly, with smarter traffic management and fewer delays. It’s also designed for smooth migration from legacy systems like GSM-R, helping railways reuse existing infrastructure and manage costs while preparing for future demands.
This transition means more for future innovation, supporting everything from autonomous trains to large-scale IoT integration. There are also more obvious benefits for passengers including better onboard Wi-Fi and real-time travel updates to support journeys that are more connected and less stressful.
The transition roadmap
Replacing a system like GSM-R is a huge undertaking that requires comprehensive plan to ensure an effective phase-in.
The GSM-R system will remain in use across many countries until at least 2030, with some extending support to 2035 or later. The rollout of FRMCS is expected to begin around 2027–2028, once technical standards are finalised, and pilot testing is complete.
There will be a coexistence phase during the during the transition, with both systems need to operate in parallel to maintain uninterrupted service. Dual operation is likely to continue into the mid-2030s with some countries like France planning phased switchovers such as quarterly “big night” transitions between 2032 and 2035.
Europe-wide coordination is being led by key organisations including International Union of Railways (UIC), European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), along with ETSI and UNIFE for technical standardisation. These bodies are tasked with ensuring FRMCS is interchangeable across borders and aligned with EU regulations.
Why Fibre Matters for FRMCS
While FRMCS is often associated with wireless innovation, its success depends on the strength of the fibre infrastructure supporting it. Every real-time update and connected service relies on a high-capacity fibre network to transmit data reliably and quickly.
FRMCS is only as effective as the network that underpins it. To deliver the low-latency, high-bandwidth performance it promises, rail operators must ensure that the trackside fibre backbone is not only scalable but also capable of supporting future mobile network advancements, including 6G and beyond.
GSM-R has been the backbone of railway communication for decades, but it’s a system which is unable to keep pace with the demands of a modern hi tech railway. Introducing FRMCS is about more than replacing an outdated system, it’s about futureproofing and digitalising railways to make them safer, more efficient, and deliver an improved passenger experience.
We are actively supporting the transition from GSM-R to FRMCS across Europe’s rail and mass transit networks through our advanced Spider Web Ribbon® fibre. SWR is reshaping rail communications by enabling high-density fibre deployment along tracks, meeting the growing demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency networks.
Unlike traditional loose tube cables, SWR allows for mass fusion splicing of up to 12 fibres simultaneously, significantly reducing installation time. This means fibre backbones can be deployed faster and more efficiently, accelerating the rollout of next-generation rail connectivity.
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