Marta Balenciaga of COIT emphasized that the railway sector is at a critical turning point, requiring advanced communication systems to support the European Green Pact and digitalization goals. Luis Jorge Romero of ETSI explained that while GSM-R has served the industry well, the rapid evolution of mobile technologies necessitates a shift to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) to ensure 5G readiness and future 6G compatibility. This new standard prioritizes high-quality interoperability, with ongoing industry prototype tests planned to validate that all equipment can communicate effectively before full deployment. Implementation in Spain is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the transition expected to culminate by 2040, supported by recovery funds aimed at resilience and transformation.
Keywords: FRMCS, interoperability, railway communication, European Green Pact, GSM-R evolution