Ericsson and Qualcomm Achieve Key Milestone in 5G Railway Communications with Successful Interoperability Test

Ericsson and Qualcomm Achieve Key Milestone in 5G Railway Communications with Successful Interoperability Test

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies have successfully completed an interoperability test for 5G railway communications using the n101 frequency band in Europe. This marks a major step in the development of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), designed to replace the aging GSM-R system by 2030. The test involved using Qualcomm’s X85 5G Modem-RF and a custom Ericsson radio prototype, demonstrating the potential of 5G technology for railway communications. Ericsson’s work on the 8×8 Massive MIMO radio and upcoming participation in FRMCS pan-European trials (MORANE2) further underscores the companies’ leadership in the space, aiming to enhance railway capacity, digitalization, and competitiveness across Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 4-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have reached a significant milestone by conducting a successful interoperability device test on a frequency band specifically designated for 5G railway communications in Europe. This achievement underscores the vital role of ecosystem collaboration and marks another step forward in the development of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).

The test was carried out using a mobile test platform powered by Qualcomm’s X85 5G Modem-RF over the n101 frequency band, which spans 10 MHz in the 1900-1910 MHz range. This band is dedicated to 5G railway communications across Europe, and the test represents the first-ever use of a FRMCS 1900 MHz 5G radio with a 10 MHz TDD (time-division duplex) channel bandwidth. The unique TDD uplink balanced frame structure chosen for the rail industry was also tested for the first time.

This pioneering interoperability test of a n101-capable chipset is a crucial step in developing FRMCS device radio modules and laying the groundwork for future FRMCS trials. The successful demonstration of 5G technology in this context represents a major advancement in the integration of 5G into European railway communications.

FRMCS is the global standard for 5G-based railway communication systems, designed to replace the aging GSM-R network by 2030. With the transition to 5G NR Standalone, FRMCS will enable the use of advanced 5G RAN software, enhancing the railway communication infrastructure across Europe. Ericsson’s development of the 8×8 Massive MIMO radio for FRMCS further demonstrates the company’s leadership in mission-critical network technology, allowing for smoother transitions from GSM-R to 5G.

Ericsson is also preparing for the FRMCS 5G pan-European trials known as MORANE2, which are essential for advancing railway communications technology. Led by the International Union of Railways (UIC), these trials are crucial for the rollout of FRMCS, which will improve the capacity, digitalization, and competitiveness of the European railway system.

Magnus Packendorff, Head of Mission Critical Networks at Ericsson, commented: “The successful testing of the n101 band with a dedicated Ericsson radio and Qualcomm Technologies’ latest modem marks a significant achievement in 5G railway communications. This milestone not only reflects our commitment to advancing mission-critical communications technologies but also sets the stage for the upcoming MORANE2 trials. We are excited to see how these advancements will transform the railway industry and usher in a new era of connectivity.”

Sunil Patil, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., added: “This accomplishment highlights the successful collaboration between Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson. By testing the n101-capable Qualcomm X85 Modem-RF at 1900 MHz, we have made a critical step toward realizing the potential of 5G in railway communications. Qualcomm Technologies is dedicated to advancing mission-critical networks and supporting the future of railway connectivity.”

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SOURCE: ERICSSON