Ericsson technology selected for the first stage of Queensland’s next-generation rail communications network ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympics

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced it will provide the 5G-enabled Digital Radio System (DRS) technology in partnership with rail engineering firm UGL Transport and including mission-critical communications specialist Frequentis, following the Queensland Government’s selection of the team to deliver the first phase of a next-generation rail communications network across South-East Queensland.

Awarded by the Queensland Government, the contract will see the new DRS deployed as part of Stage 1 of The Wave, the transformative public transport and rail infrastructure program being delivered to connect Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

The DRS will provide the communications foundation to support rollout of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, a next-generation signaling technology that enables continuous digital train control being delivered by Alstom.

As part of the project, Ericsson will deliver the 5G communications platform underpinning the solution. The technology is designed to support mission-critical rail operations and provide a pathway toward Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) capabilities, helping improve safety, operational efficiency and network capacity.

UGL Transport, Ericsson and Frequentis will deliver the first operational section of the Digital Radio System to the Sunshine Coast line, which is a key corridor in the broader upgrade plans for Queensland’s rail network. The system will be ready to support passenger services ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Digital Radio System project forms one of four major work packages within TMR's broader procurement activity for Stage 1 of The Wave.

Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand says: "This is a significant moment for digital rail in Australia. Ericsson's mission-critical private 5G platform will underpin Queensland's next-generation rail communications network, supporting safer operations and enabling the introduction of European Train Control System Level 2 digital train control. We are proud to be part of the team delivering this critical infrastructure for Queensland and for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

As the project's 5G technology partner, Ericsson will design, supply, integrate, test and commission a mission critical private 5G communications network for Sector 1 North of the South-East Queensland rail network. The solution will comprise a mission critical private 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and a geographically redundant 5G Core network and cloud infrastructure, provided by Ericsson’s Integrated Core Solution, designed to support high availability, mission-critical rail operations.

The 5G communications backbone will enable the introduction of ETCS Level 2, a digital signaling technology that improves rail safety, reliability and operational efficiency through continuous communication between trains and control systems. It will also enable Mission Critical Services (MCX) capabilities and support interoperability requirements into the future where metropolitan rail networks interface with the National Network for Interoperability.

The network will be deployed using Band n101, 1900 MHz spectrum and is designed with a pathway toward Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) capabilities, supporting the future evolution of rail voice, video, data and advanced operational applications as well as improving safety, operational efficiency and increasing network capacity.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are scheduled to be held from 23 July – 8 August, and 24 August to 5 September respectively.

FOLLOW US:

Subscribe to Ericsson press releases
Subscribe to Ericsson blog posts
https://x.com/ericsson
https://www.facebook.com/ericsson
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ericsson

MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
media.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 00 00)

ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com