Nokia unveils commercial 5G solution for next-gen digital railway operations supporting FRMCS

Nokia announced the launch of its new 5G radio solution aimed at enhancing digital capabilities for rail operations worldwide. This initiative supports the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), providing a high-speed, low-latency communication framework essential for modernizing railway infrastructure.

The new mobile broadband radio operates in the 1900 Megahertz (MHz) band and is coupled with an optimized 5G Standalone (SA) core specifically designed for the railway sector. This ensures a seamless transition to FRMCS, facilitating improved safety, efficiency, and passenger services.

As part of its commitment to digital transformation, Nokia's solution aims to replace outdated 2G Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) standards and implement advanced technologies in automated train operations. The comprehensive offering will also integrate real-time passenger information systems and mission-critical communication tools.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, emphasized the need for upgraded connectivity in the rail sector. He stated, “The drive toward digitalization demands the kind of high-speed connectivity and data capabilities that legacy systems simply can’t provide… Our commercial 5G solution reflects our commitment to laying the foundation for the next generation of railway operations.”

This deployment is designed to coexist with existing systems, allowing for gradual migration to 5G technology while supporting operations without disruptions. Furthermore, the 5G solution will undergo testing under the EU-funded FP2-MORANE-2 project, focusing on enhancing digitalization across European rail networks.