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Ericsson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to introduce 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) technologies across the Kingdom's rail network. The collaboration includes deploying 5G-based infrastructure, developing applications such as real-time video, train control, and IoT connectivity, and establishing an innovation centre for testing new solutions. It also focuses on training SAR's workforce in advanced communication systems. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and its National Transport & Logistics Strategy to modernise and digitise the transport sector.
Ericsson, a leading global telecom equipment provider, has entered into a partnership with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to implement 5G and FRMCS technologies aimed at transforming railway communication and operations across Saudi Arabia. The company will bring in its technical expertise, advanced infrastructure, and deployment capabilities to upgrade SAR's communication systems to meet global standards. Advertisement
As part of the agreement, both entities will jointly develop and test FRMCS-based applications designed for train control, operations management, and passenger services. These include solutions for real-time video surveillance, onboard IoT connectivity, and communication tools for staff, all of which are expected to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency. The collaboration will also involve setting up an innovation centre and test lab to evaluate 5G-based use cases in live rail environments and create a framework for future large-scale deployment.
To ensure sustainable adoption of the technology, Ericsson and SAR plan to establish training and certification programmes for railway personnel. These will focus on developing technical skills in FRMCS operations, network maintenance, and 5G integration. A pilot implementation will also be conducted on one of SAR's existing rail lines to assess the real-world performance of the technology and its compatibility with the current systems.
The initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aim to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub supported by digital transformation and advanced infrastructure. It also reflects the country's commitment to adopting innovative technologies to improve the reliability and efficiency of public transportation networks.
Globally, the railway sector is undergoing a transition from traditional GSM-R communication systems to FRMCS, a next-generation platform based on 5G New Radio (5G-NR) standards. This shift enables higher data capacity, faster response times, and enhanced network security, supporting applications that go beyond voice communication to include automation, monitoring, and predictive maintenance. By adopting FRMCS early, SAR aims to position itself among the leading rail operators using 5G-driven communication systems.
Through this partnership, Ericsson strengthens its presence in Saudi Arabia's transport technology sector, where digitalisation and smart infrastructure initiatives have been gaining momentum. For SAR, the move represents a step towards developing a future-ready railway network capable of meeting growing passenger and freight demands while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
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