FRCMS future railway mobile communication system?

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is being developed by UIC in collaboration with various stakeholders to succeed the current GSM-R system and enable the digital transformation of rail transport. GSM-R, a 2G+ based system designed over 20 years ago, is critical for operational communication within the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and is deployed on over 130,000 kilometers of track in Europe and 210,000 kilometers worldwide. However, with GSM-R's obsolescence looming by 2035, the FRMCS aims to address this risk and support the growing data needs essential for sustainable transport.

FRMCS is being designed to ensure interoperability and support for digital applications in railways, making it a key component for future railway operations. The UIC has structured several working groups to oversee various aspects of the FRMCS development: the Steering Group for strategy and planning, the Functionality Working Group to align system functionalities with railway needs, the Architecture and Technology Working Group to define system requirements, the Telecom On-Board Architecture Group for on-board system definitions, and the Group for Frequency Aspects to manage spectrum needs. Additionally, FRMCS specifications include Functional Interface Specifications (FIS) and Form-Fit-Functional Interface Specifications (FFFIS) for system interfaces.

The FRMCS specifications are being developed through a comprehensive European process and will be integrated into the Control Command and Signalling Technical Specifications for Interoperability (CCS TSI). Version 1 of the FRMCS specifications has been completed and includes coexistence with GSM-R until around 2035. These specifications are detailed in TSI Annex A but are currently not intended for product procurement.

Looking forward, the next steps for FRMCS introduction have been agreed upon with the European Commission's DG Move, EU-Rail JU, and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). The FRMCS will be rolled out in stages, ensuring a smooth transition from GSM-R, and will eventually take over as the primary railway mobile communication system, supporting the continued digitalization and operational efficiency of rail transport in Europe.