As 5G applications continue to extend well beyond outdoor use, Ericsson and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) are the latest companies to discuss 5G-powered rail operations after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing rail operations through 5G technology.
The partners say the collaboration aims to modernise SAR’s communication systems, improve passenger experience, and drive digital advancements within the transportation sector in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030.
This strategy, as explained by the government, provides the vision and strategic orientation of the sector and ensures the integration of transport modes and logistic services by identifying and funding important initiatives. It also supports the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially and culturally, and, more specifically, to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
Ericsson says it will provide its expertise in 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS) technologies by deploying the solutions, infrastructure and technical support required to enable advanced rail communication and operational capabilities.
FRMCS is a 5G-focused international wireless communication standard that will succeed the existing GSM-R standard, which is expected to be obsolete by 2030.
Under the MoU, Ericsson and SAR will deploy mission-critical 5G capabilities to ensure reliable and secure rail communications and enhanced rail performance services.
They will also develop and test FRMCS-based use cases, and high-speed broadband solutions for passengers (known as 'gigabit train', the concept of a train achieving wireless connectivity of 1Gbps of capacity to passengers).
The collaboration will also involve establishing a test lab or innovation centre to validate 5G applications in a rail context, creating training programmes to upskill SAR’s teams in FRMCS/5G rail technologies, and conducting a trial deployment of Ericsson’s solutions on one of SAR’s existing rail lines to evaluate integration and performance in real-world conditions.
In addition, it will enable use cases such as train control, staff communications, real-time video streaming, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity onboard trains.
