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Satellite Communication for Railways
Challenge
The communication requirements of modern railways are rapidly evolving, driven by automation, digital services and increasingly connected trains. While FRMCS is being introduced as the next-generation railway communication system, future operations will require additional capacity, resilience and coverage beyond what terrestrial networks alone can provide.
The solution
Contributed by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), this solution explores the role of satellite communication as a complementary and resilient connectivity option for the future railway communication ecosystem.
Communication systems are a critical enabler for advanced digital services that enhance the performance, safety and efficiency of rail transport. Satellite Communication can serve as a complementary pillar, integrated with the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) and the Adaptable Communication System (ACS)/Multi-Connectivity platform, to provide additional capacity and significantly improve system resilience.
Satellite Communication can operate as a standalone solution when performance requirements are met, for example onFR2 lines and through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations.
It provides a cost-effective way to deliver connectivity to remote areas where deploying terrestrial infrastructure is economically unfeasible. This enables critical services such as ETCS (European Train Control System), railway emergency communications, and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) across wide geographic regions.
The integration of Satellite Communication into the 3GPP’s 5G standard as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) makes it a natural fit for FRMCS. This standardisation ensures interoperability, security, and seamless integration with existing 5G ecosystems and beyond.
A major advantage is that Satellite Communication requires no trackside infrastructure, reducing deployment costs, maintenance efforts and environmental impact.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
The solution is available as an emulated system and as standalone prototype in laboratory. Further development is required alongside FRMCS and ACS/Multi-Connectivity Platform.
Maturity level
TRL 3
Expected benefits
- Increased resilience and additional capacity through an orthogonal communication system for critical, performance and business communications use cases.
- 5G-NTN systems complement FRMCS development and provide satellite communication based on the same standards, ensuring interoperability and future-proofing.
- In the case of IRIS2 , a sovereign, secure and resilient communication infrastructure could be available for critical railway services
- Lower cost, as no trackside infrastructure is required.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Final users
Conclusion
Satellite Communication provides a scalable and cost-effective connectivity solution for critical, performance and business applications. It can support the monitoring and control of critical systems while enhancing service availability and the quality of experience for passengers traveling onboard trains.
This solution supports the long-term competitiveness of the market and sector by enabling a more resilient, efficient and technologically advanced European rail system.
Learn more about the project
FP2-R2DATO
To meet the increasing demand for transportation of both passengers and freight, FP2-R2DATO will take the advantages of digitalisation and automation to develop the next generation ATC and deliver scalable digital and automatic (up to autonomous) train operation (DATO) capabilities in order to enhance the capacity of the existing rail networks.