Nokia has released a new 5G wireless solution, providing high-capacity, high-performance, and robust real-time communication capabilities to railway operators worldwide, laying the foundation for the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). As the core of building a smarter, safer, and more efficient railway network, this solution supports higher levels of digitization and automation, bringing multiple benefits to passengers, businesses, and the environment. This release includes the industry’s first commercial 5G wireless product targeting the 1900 MHz (n101) frequency band, as well as Nokia Railway Customized Core Enterprise Solution, aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of the railway industry.

In the next decade, FRMCS will replace the current 2G Railway Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-R) as the next generation global standard for all railways. Based on 5G, FRMCS has built-in security mechanisms and high reliability, which can achieve stronger automation, new digital applications, better passenger services, and secure cross-border communication.

Nokia is in a leading position in the global railway communication field, with over 20 years of GSM-R deployment experience covering more than 20 countries. The company has long been leading the development of FRMCS, working closely with railway operators, government agencies, industry partners, and standardization organizations to jointly promote standard development and global deployment.

Tommi Uitto, President of Nokia Mobile Networks, said, “The digitalization process urgently requires high-speed connectivity and data capabilities, which traditional systems cannot meet. As a result, global railway operators are facing urgent modernization needs. Nokia’s commercial 5G solution embodies decades of railway industry experience and demonstrates our commitment to laying the foundation for the next generation of railway operations. We provide a flexible technology platform for the future, ensuring a smooth transition to FRMCS while improving operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience.”

Nokia’s new 5G wireless product is designed for mission critical communication and supports strategic coexistence, allowing railways to migrate to 5G without interrupting existing systems such as GSM-R. Its fully optimized and cloud native 5G SA core network fully supports all FRMCS functions required by the transport layer. The plan adopts a modular, flexible, and scalable architecture, suitable for regional and national deployment, and will be tested in the EU funded FP2-MORANE-2 project, which further promotes the digitization of European railway operations based on existing FRMCS research.

The powerful capabilities brought by the shift to 5G solutions are highly compatible with the needs of modern railway operations, especially in cross-border scenarios where the advantages are significant. The following are the main benefits that railway operators and passengers can obtain:

Automated train operation: achieve real-time control and monitoring of trains, improve safety and efficiency, and reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Passenger Information System: Provides real-time updates and information to passengers to optimize their travel experience.

Key task voice communication: Integrate voice, video, and data services into a unified standardized platform to enhance operations and infrastructure management.

Intelligent railway maintenance: Utilizing predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Nokia is committed to driving the digital transformation of the railway industry with advanced and future oriented technologies. The new plan includes commercial 5G wireless devices in the 1900 MHz frequency band from the industry-leading AirScale product portfolio, paired with railway optimized core enterprise solutions, and supplemented by the company’s comprehensive portfolio of critical mission IP, optical networks, and data center network products. All Nokia solutions meet the highest standards and are equipped with industry-leading network security frameworks.