Broadband  |  2025-09-15

Nokia deploys world’s first 1900 MHz 5G Radio Network on Deutsche Bahn Test Track Supporting FRMCS

Curated by: Gert Jan Wolf - Editor-in Chief for The Critical Communications Review

Nokia and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway company, have deployed the world’s first commercial 1900 MHz (n101) 5G radio network solution with a 5G Standalone (SA) core, running on live outdoor test tracks. This industry breakthrough positions DB to leverage a modern mobile network on a frequency band dedicated to 5G railway communications in Europe. It also serves as a basis for the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), supporting resilient, efficient and more sustainable rail operations through greater digitalization, capacity and service reliability.

This deployment marks a significant step in the railway industry's transition from the legacy Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) to the 5G-based FRMCS standard designed for real-time, mission-critical communications between infrastructure and trains. Built to support full railway automation, FRMCS integrates advanced technologies like AI and underpins a more competitive, capable and future-ready industry.