Telecoms Section

UIC Rail Academy

The UIC Rail Academy: Telecoms Section features a suite of specialist training solutions for the railway industry covering rail radio engineering and associated technologies.

The Telecoms Section includes courses ranging from individual self-study and instructor-led courses to the Diploma in Rail Radio Network Communications and the comprehensive UIC Rail Academy: Telecoms Collection that includes access to all our rail communications system training material (online and instructor-led) plus an additional range of courses on wider telecoms network technologies.

Download the catalogue here.

UIC GSM-R Engineering Overview:

Live-Online, 23 - 26 June 2025, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm CET

Who would benefit
Those in or entering technical roles within the GSM-R industry who require a broad overview of the services, features and technology of GSM-R.

Prerequisites
A basic understanding of cellular radio networks and railway signalling, as well as the ability to comprehend technical subjects, would be useful.

Course contents

Introduction to GSM and GSM-R Networks
GSM Network Architecture
GPRS Network Architecture
GSM-R Network Architecture
GSM-R Services
GSM-R Identities
GSM-R Coverage
Network Access
GSM-R Procedures
European Train Control System

Register here

GSM-R to 5G for Rail Engineers – Accelerated Course

In-person, at the UIC Headquarters - Paris, 13 October 2025, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CET

This accelerated one-day course provides rail engineers and technical professionals with a clear understanding of the transition from GSM-R to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). It explores the fundamental differences in architecture, services, spectrum, and radio technology, highlighting how FRMCS leverages 5G capabilities to deliver enhanced performance, security, and flexibility. Through structured comparisons, participants gain the knowledge needed to appreciate the opportunities and challenges of modernising railway communications and supporting the shift towards the digital railway.

Who Would Benefit
This course is designed for railway engineers, telecom specialists, project managers, and technical administrators who need a clear overview of how FRMCS builds on and differs from GSM-R. It will be particularly valuable for those involved in planning, deploying, or supporting the next generation of railway communication systems, as well as stakeholders who need to understand the operational and technical impacts of the transition to 5G-based FRMCS.

Prerequisites
A background in GSM-R or GSM would be advantageous.

Course Modules

Railway Communications
Network Architecture
Addressing
Radio Technology
Radio Spectrum
Security GSM-R vs FRMCS

Register here.

UIC FRMCS Overview

In-person, at the UIC Headquarters - Paris, 16 October 2025, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CET

This course is aimed at non-technical people or those in management roles who need an introduction to FRMCS. It outlines the need for FRMCS and introduces the standards that are required. The course also discusses the issues with the current radio spectrum allocations and how FRMCS and GSM-R may co-exist in the rollout phase. Also discussed the technology known as 5G that will be an integral part of FRMCS.

Course contents

FRMCS – An Introduction
FRMCS Requirements
Spectrum Issues
FRMCS Reference
Architecture
5G
Mission Critical Communications

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UIC FRMCS Engineering

Live Online, 6 - 9 October 2025, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm CET

GSM-R end of life is anticipated to be around 2030 which only leaves a few years to find a replacement system. The International Union of Railways (UIC) have published a document called FRMCS- Future Railway Mobile Communications System which outlines what will be required of a future system. The railway community have detailed the communications requirements of the future railway networks and are looking for telecommunications manufacturers and standards bodies to provide a suitable solution.

Prerequisites
Attendees ideally will have a background in telecommunications gained from working in the railway industry and have technical knowledge of GSM-R.

Course contents

FRMCS – An Introduction
FRMCS Reference Architecture
FRMCS On-Board Architecture
FRMCS Addressing
Common Functions and Applications
5G
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT)
Mission Critical Data (MCDATA)
Mission Critical Video (MCVIDEO)
Radio Spectrum and Coverage

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ERTMS/ETCS for Radio Engineers

Live-Online, 29 September - 2 October 2025, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm CET

The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a major rail project underway in Europe. The aim is to replace the dissimilar train control systems used in various countries with a common system known as the European Train Control System (ETCS).

This course provides an overview of ETCS but focuses on how GSM-R with or without GPRS can be used as a bearer for ETCS signalling.

This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support.

Prerequisites
Delegates attending this course should be familiar with the principles of GSM-R networks.

Course contents