Nokia has unveiled a commercial 5G solution that aims to improve digital railway operations, with hopes of offering operators high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The upgrade comes as the industry prepares for the transition from the current two-decade-old 2G Global Systems for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).
The Finnish telecoms group said the launch includes the first commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz (n101) band, paired with a standalone (SA) core network tailored for railways.
The solution is designed to deliver resilient, real-time communications to enable automated operations, enhance passenger services and improve sustainability.
Its 5G successor should provide greater security, reliability and cross-border interoperability.
“Legacy systems simply can’t provide the kind of high-speed connectivity and data capabilities rail operators need today,” said Tommi Uitto, president of Nokia’s mobile networks division.
“Our commercial 5G solution reflects our commitment to laying the foundation for the next generation of railway operations. We offer a future-proof, flexible technology platform that supports a smooth transition to FRMCS while improving efficiency, safety and the overall passenger experience.”
The system is intended for mission-critical communications and can operate alongside legacy networks, allowing operators to adopt 5G gradually without disruption.
Nokia said the modular and scalable design makes it suitable for both regional and nationwide deployments. It will also be tested under the EU-funded FP2-MORANE-2 project, which is advancing FRMCS adoption across Europe.
Use cases include automated train control to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, real-time passenger information services, integrated voice and data platforms for operators, and predictive maintenance to cut downtime and costs.
