History
GSM-R is built on GSM technology, and benefits from the economies of scale of its GSM technology heritage, aiming at being a cost efficient digital replacement for existing incompatible in-track cable and analogue railway radio networks. Over 35 different such systems are reported to exist in Europe alone.
The standard is the result of over ten years of collaboration between the various European railway companies, with the goal of achieving interoperability using a single communication platform. GSM-R is part of the new European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) standard and carries the signalling information directly to the train driver, enabling higher train speeds and traffic density with a high level of safety.
The specifications were finalized in 2000, based on the European Union-funded MORANE (Mobile Radio for Railways Networks in Europe) project. The specification is being maintained by the International Union of Railways project ERTMS. GSM-R has been selected by 38 countries across the world, including all member states of the European Union and countries in Asia, Eurasia and northern Africa.
GSM-R is a secure platform for voice and data communication between railway operational staff, including drivers, dispatchers, shunting team members, train engineers, and station controllers. It delivers features such as group calls (VGCS), voice broadcast (VBS), location-based connections, and call pre-emption in case of an emergency. This will support applications such as cargo tracking, video surveillance in trains and at stations, and passenger information services.
GSM-R is typically implemented using dedicated base station towers close to the railway. The distance between the base stations are 7–15 km. This creates a high degree of redundancy and higher availability and reliability. The train maintains a circuit switched digital modem connection to the train control centre at all times. This modem operates with higher priority than normal users (eMLPP). If the modem connection is lost, the train will automatically stop. In Germany, Italy and France the GSM-R network has between 3000 and 4000 base stations.
In the UK, over 14,000 km of GSM-R enabled railway is planned, with 280 km currently in operation. GSM-R cab radio for use in UK trains is currently being developed by Network Rail and is undergoing trials in the Strathclyde and Glasgow areas of Scotland. It is currently in use on London Overground's East London Line, between Dalston Junction and New Cross Gate.
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