The future of railway telecommunications is already underway. Nokia and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway company, have announced the deployment of the world’s first commercial 5G network in the 1,900 MHz band (n101) with a Standalone (SA) 5G core, installed on outdoor test tracks. This groundbreaking development not only represents a technological leap but also a paradigm shift for rail transportation in Europe.
The solution, built on Nokia’s AirScale portfolio, is designed to meet the critical mission needs of the railway sector and serve as a foundation for the implementation of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), the standard that will progressively replace GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway).
From GSM-R to FRMCS: transforming railway communications
For decades, GSM-R has been the backbone of railway communications across Europe. However, its limitations in the face of today’s demands for digitization, automation, and safety have accelerated the need for a technological upgrade.
The FRMCS, based on 5G, is not just an evolution—it is designed to provide real-time communication between infrastructure and trains, enabling fully automated operations, intelligent maintenance, and monitoring of critical infrastructure.
This trial deployment positions Deutsche Bahn at the forefront of a transition process that will shape the future of European rail transport.
A 5G network tailored for railways
The new system tested at the Erzgebirge Digital Test Field in Germany is operational on real trains and features functionalities designed to ensure reliability at all times:
- Built-in failover to ensure continuity in case of failures.
- Self-healing capabilities, reducing incident response times.
- Real-time monitoring, essential for maintaining efficiency and proactively detecting anomalies.
Additionally, this technology will be utilized within the European FP2-MORANE-2 project, a continuation of previous initiatives aimed at accelerating railway digitization across Europe.
Industry voices: perspectives from DB and Nokia
“We aim to leverage modern 5G-based telecommunications to upgrade railway communication infrastructure. Collaborating with technology experts like Nokia is key to bringing these innovations into our operations,” said Rainer Fachinger, Director of Telecommunications Platforms at DB InfraGO.
Meanwhile, Rolf Werner, Nokia’s head for Europe, emphasized the pioneering nature of the project: “We are proud to deliver the first commercial 5G solution using the 1,900 MHz band for railways. This milestone unlocks benefits such as automated train operations, intelligent maintenance, and more efficient infrastructure. We believe it will set a benchmark for future FRMCS deployments worldwide.”
Benefits for passengers and operators
This innovation’s impact extends beyond railway operators. Digitalizing railway communications via 5G offers both direct and indirect benefits for passengers and society:
- Increased capacity: optimizing rail traffic and reducing congestion.
- Enhanced travel experience: more stable connections for onboard information and entertainment services.
- Sustainability: a more efficient rail system reduces emissions and reinforces trains as a green alternative to planes and cars.
- Improved safety: thanks to ultra-low latency and real-time communication between trains and infrastructure.
The challenge of European interoperability
One of FRMCS’s primary goals is to ensure interoperability across countries. Europe features a mosaic of railway networks that, despite political integration, present technical and operational differences.
With the migration to a common standard based on 5G, trains will be able to operate seamlessly across borders, reducing costs and increasing the competitiveness of rail transport compared to other modes.
Innovation, safety, and sustainability: Nokia’s role
Nokia’s focus on the railway sector is part of its leadership in critical networks. The Finnish company, with over a century of technological innovation through Nokia Bell Labs, positions itself as a trusted partner for projects requiring the highest standards of safety and availability.
The collaboration with Deutsche Bahn also underscores Europe’s commitment to a more digital, sustainable, and connected transportation future, aligned with the EU’s decarbonization and infrastructure modernization goals.
A complex but inevitable transition
While the shift from GSM-R to FRMCS will not happen overnight, projects like this demonstrate that the industry is already laying the groundwork for change. It is expected that, over the next decade, most European railway networks will adopt this new standard, requiring significant investments in equipment, training, and system migration.
The deployment of this first 1,900 MHz 5G network for railways serves as a living laboratory to refine technical and regulatory details before widespread adoption.
Conclusion
The partnership between Nokia and Deutsche Bahn marks a historic milestone in the modernization of railway communications. The 5G network in the 1,900 MHz band will enable safer, more automated, and efficient operations, laying the groundwork for a more competitive and sustainable European rail system.
In a moment when green mobility and digital transformation are global priorities, this project symbolizes the future of trains in Europe: faster, smarter, and more connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is FRMCS, and how does it differ from GSM-R?
FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) is the new 5G-based standard for railway telecommunications. Unlike GSM-R, it offers real-time communication, low latency, higher capacity, and support for automated operations.
2. Why was the 1,900 MHz band chosen for this railway network?
The 1,900 MHz band has been designated in Europe specifically for 5G-based railway communications, ensuring a dedicated network free from interference from other commercial services.
3. What benefits will this technology bring to passengers?
Passengers will enjoy safer journeys, more punctual trains, and improved onboard digital services, such as real-time information and higher-quality connectivity.
4. When is the large-scale deployment of FRMCS expected across Europe?
While no exact date has been set, it is estimated that the transition from GSM-R to FRMCS will be completed over the next decade, with pilot projects underway in countries like Germany, France, and Spain.