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.
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
Register here
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
Register here
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
- ERTMS Standards and Legislation
- Basic System Description
- System Architecture
- ERTMS Operating Modes
- ERTMS/ETCS Protocols
- Circuit Switched Signalling
- Circuit Switched Connections
- GPRS for ETCS
- The GPRS Air Interface
- GPRS Procedures
- Transmission through the Network
- Radio Network Optimization
Register here
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