GSM-R will be officially and gradually phased out sometime in early 2030s. The deployment of FRMCS in both infrastructure and vehicles all around Europe in such short time is a big challenge that requires both a strategic approach, as well as practical arrangements to speed up the deployment. The objective is to identify challenges and share ideas which could assist in overcoming them. 

Topics for discussion:

• Why going for FRMCS?
  • Pure replacement or upgrade of communications?
  • Which lines and which applications are we targeting?
• When?
  • Planning and phases for installation of FRMCS and decommission of GSM-R.
  • Which lines first/which applications first?
  • Link migration with ETCS upgrade or other enhancements.
• How?
  • Impact of FRMCS deployment for already existing Onboard and for Trackside systems, specially signalling.
  • TS practical arrangements for deployment: Which frequencies? What about the use of Mobile Network Operators? etc.
  • OB practical arrangements for deployment: antennas, cabling, Onboard architectures, dual-mode, etc.
  • How to optimise Certification and Authorisation?
• Conclusion: Coordinated approach or case by case approach? National coordination and/or European coordination?