Infrabel is investing more than four million euros in the modernization of its railway communications and has awarded the contract to Citymesh. The West Flemish telecom company is modernizing 150 ‘GSM-R sites’ and preparing the Belgian railways for 5G and the new FRMCS system.
Telecom company Citymesh, based in Oostkamp, has been appointed by Infrabel as a partner to modernize railway communications. Infrabel is investing 4.2 million euros for this purpose. More specifically, it involves an upgrade to a 5G network to improve communication between signal boxes and train drivers.
The five-year contract includes the renewal of 150 GSM-R sites across the country. This renewal is an important step toward the future international FRMCS standard and the rollout of 5G on the Belgian railways.
From 2G to 5G
The current GSM-R network, based on 2G technology, forms the backbone of communication between train drivers and signal boxes. According to the company, the switch to 5G is necessary to enable innovative applications. “With our expertise in private 4G and 5G networks, we are helping to build a high-performance and future-oriented communication system for the railways,” says Mitch De Geest, CEO of Citymesh.
Thanks to 5G, larger amounts of data can be exchanged securely and reliably. This should increase capacity and safety on the railways, and create room for further innovation within the sector.
Preparation for FRMCS
Under the contract with Citymesh, 150 GSM-R installations will be equipped with new radio equipment and backup systems. These sites are being prepared for the future FRMCS standard, which will replace the existing GSM-R network between 2030 and 2035.
Of the total 650 GSM-R masts, 450 sites have already been modernized. The new contract ensures the conversion of the remaining third, so that the entire Belgian railway domain is ready for the digital future.
“By investing today in the preparation for FRMCS and 5G, we are making the Belgian railways ready for the future, with more capacity, higher safety, and room for innovation,” says Peter Franken, Deputy CIO of Infrabel.