Integration work is under way at three laboratories operated by Ericsson, Nokia and Kontron, where equipment from different suppliers will be tested for compatibility and compliance with the latest FRMCS specifications.
The programme covers onboard radios, dispatcher systems, 5G networks and Mission Critical communication. Engineers will test voice services, railway emergency calls and the exchange of data for ETCS, automated train operation and train control and monitoring systems.
The laboratories will also examine interoperability between suppliers and the interaction of FRMCS with the existing GSM-R system. This is intended to support a gradual migration without interrupting railway operations.
The consortium has published a common set of system test cases based on FRMCS version 2.2. These cover onboard and trackside equipment as well as the interfaces connecting individual parts of the system.
Preparations for operational trials are progressing in parallel. Infrastructure managers ADIF, DB InfraGO, ProRail and Trafikverket are installing masts, onboard equipment and 5G Mission Critical technology on selected railway lines. Field testing, including cross-border scenarios, is expected to begin in 2027.
