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{{Short description|Wireless communications standard for railway communication}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
'''GSM-R''', '''Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway''' or '''GSM-Railway''' is an international [[wireless]] communications standard for [[railway]] communication and applications.

A sub-system of [[European Rail Traffic Management System]] (ERTMS), it is used for communication between train and railway regulation control centers. The system is based on [[GSM]] and ''EIRENE – MORANE'' specifications which guarantee performance at speeds up to 500&nbsp;km/h (310&nbsp;mph), without any communication loss.

GSM-R could be supplanted by LTE-R,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rcrwireless.com/20161115/fundamentals/smart-trains-lte-tag31-tag99 | date = 2016-11-15 | first = Phillip | last = Tracy | title =  Meet LTE-R, the network responsible for next-generation smart trains | work = RCR Wireless News }}</ref> with the first production implementation being in South Korea.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/press-wire/nokia-to-install-lte-r-for-railway-services-in-south-korea | title = Nokia to install LTE-R for railway services in South Korea | date = 2016-11-14 | work = Mobile Europe | access-date = 14 August 2017 | archive-date = 4 December 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181204101915/https://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/press-wire/nokia-to-install-lte-r-for-railway-services-in-south-korea | url-status = dead }}</ref> However, [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] is generally considered to be a "[[4G]]" protocol, and the [[International Union of Railways|UIC]]'s [[Future Railway Mobile Communication System]] ([[FRMCS]]) program<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/article/100190/frmcs-more-than-replacement-gsmr/ | title = FRMCS: More than just a successive replacement for GSM-R | first1 = Dan | last1 = Mandoc | first2 = Jean-Michel | last2 = Evanghelou | date = 2020-05-04 | work = Global Railway Review | publisher = Russell Publishing Ltd. }}</ref> is considering moving to something "[[5G]]"-based (specifically [[3GPP]] R15/16, i.e. [[5G NR]]),<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/2019/01/30/gsm-r-a-migration-strategy-to-its-successor/ | date = 2019-01-30 | title = GSM-R: a migration strategy to its successor? | first =  Clive | last = Kessell | work = Rail Engineer | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190222204653/https://www.railengineer.co.uk/2019/01/30/gsm-r-a-migration-strategy-to-its-successor/ | archive-date = 2019-02-22 }}</ref> thus skipping two technological generations.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/telecoms/beyond-gsm-r-the-future-of-railway-radio.html | title =  Beyond GSM-R: the future of railway radio | first = Kevin | last = Smith | date = 2017-03-01 | work = International Rail Journal | publisher =  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170508133329/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/telecoms/beyond-gsm-r-the-future-of-railway-radio.html | archive-date = 2017-05-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.railengineer.uk/2018/05/14/a-general-perspective-of-5g/ | title = A General Perspective of 5G | date = 2018-05-14 | first = Clive | last = Kessell | work = Rail Engineer | access-date = 4 December 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181012130007/https://www.railengineer.uk/2018/05/14/a-general-perspective-of-5g/ | archive-date = 12 October 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[File:GSM-R Base Station Abergavenny.jpg|thumb|right|GSM-R mast and cabinet, Abergavenny, Wales]] [[File:GSM-R Repeater at Dean Clough, Bolton.jpg|thumb|GSM-R Repeater at Dean Clough, Bolton, NW England]]
[[File:GSMRRichtantennenFreudensteintunnelOst.jpg|thumb|GSM-R directional antennas pointing into the east end of the Freudenstein tunnel, Germany]]
[[File:GSM-R Sharks Fin Mobile Antenna.JPG|thumb|GSM-R 'Shark's-Fin' Mobile Antenna as fitted to a substantial amount of UK rail motive power]]

== History ==
GSM-R is built on [[GSM]] technology, and benefits from the economies of scale of its GSM technology heritage, aiming at being a cost efficient digital replacement for existing incompatible in-track cable and analogue railway radio networks. Over 35 different such systems are reported to exist in Europe alone.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lightreading.com/siemens-wins-belgian-gsm-r/d/d-id/591695 | title=Siemens Wins Belgian GSM-R | work=Light Reading | date=14 May 2003 | access-date=11 January 2014 | author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

The standard is the result of over ten years of collaboration between the various European railway companies, with the goal of achieving interoperability using a single communication platform. GSM-R is part of the [[European Rail Traffic Management System]] (ERTMS) standard and carries the signaling information directly to the train driver, enabling higher train speeds and traffic density with a high level of safety.

The specifications were finalized in 2000, based on the [[European Union]]-funded MORANE (Mobile Radio for Railways Networks in Europe) project. The specification is being maintained by the [[International Union of Railways]] project ERTMS. GSM-R has been selected by 38 countries across the world, including all member states of the European Union and countries in Asia, Eurasia and northern Africa.

GSM-R is a secure platform for voice and [[data communication]] between railway operational staff, including drivers, dispatchers, shunting team members, train engineers, and station controllers. It delivers features such as group calls ([[Voice group call service|VGCS]]), voice broadcast (VBS), location-based connections, and call pre-emption in case of an emergency. This supports applications such as cargo tracking, [[Closed-circuit television|video surveillance]] in trains and at stations, and passenger information services.

GSM-R is typically implemented using dedicated [[base station]] masts close to the railway, with tunnel coverage effected using directional antennae or [[Leaky feeder|'leaky' feeder]] transmission. The distance between the base stations is {{Convert|7–15|km||abbr=on}}. This creates a high degree of redundancy and higher availability and reliability. In Germany, Italy and France the GSM-R network has between 3,000 and 4,000 [[base transceiver station|base stations]]. In areas where the [[European Train Control System]] (ETCS) Level 2 or 3 is used, the train maintains a [[circuit switching|circuit switched]] digital [[modem]] connection to the train control center at all times. This modem operates with higher priority than normal users (eMLPP). If the modem connection is lost, the train will automatically stop.
{{clr}}

=== Upper system ===
GSM-R is one part of [[European Rail Traffic Management System|ERTMS]] (European Rail Traffic Management System) which is composed of:
* [[European Train Control System|ETCS]] (European Train Control System)
* GSM-R
* ETML (European Traffic Management Layer)
* EOR (European Operating Rules)

== Frequency band ==
GSM-R is standardized to be implemented in either the [[E-GSM]] (900&nbsp;MHz-GSM) or [[DCS 1800]] (1,800&nbsp;MHz-GSM) [[Frequency range|frequency band]] which are both being used around the world.

=== Europe ===
Europe includes the [[European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations|CEPT]] member states, which include all [[European Union|EU]] members and Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

Although previously members of the CEPT, Belarus and Russia had their memberships suspended, indefinitely, with effect from 00:00 (CET), 18 March 2022. The CEPT Assembly made this decision following a poll of members by the CEPT Presidency, and published their decision on 17 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CEPT.ORG – CEPT – News Storage – Suspension of the Russian Federation and Belarus from CEPT Membership |url=https://cept.org/cept/news/suspension-of-the-russian-federation-and-belarus-from-cept-membership/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=cept.org}}</ref>)

GSM-R uses a specific [[Frequency range|frequency band]], which can be referred to as the "standard" GSM-R band:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.willtek.com/english/technologies/gsmr |title=Technologies – GSM-R |publisher=Willtek |access-date=11 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111232042/http://www.willtek.com/english/technologies/gsmr/ |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref>
* Uplink: 876–880&nbsp;MHz used for data transmission
* Downlink: 921–925&nbsp;MHz used for data reception

In Germany, this band was extended with additional channels in the 873–876&nbsp;MHz and 918–921&nbsp;MHz range.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/media/archive/17448.pdf | title=Frequenznutzungsplan | access-date=20 December 2009 | date=April 2008 | language=de | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128044001/http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/media/archive/17448.pdf | archive-date=28 November 2009 | url-status=dead |trans-title=Frequency Use Plan}}</ref> Being used formerly for regional [[trunked radio system]]s, the full usage of the new frequencies is aimed for 2015.<ref name="dbwelt-2009-12-15">Meldung ''DB darf zusätzliche GSM-R-Frequenzen für Bahnfunk nutzen''. In: [[DB Welt]], Heft 12/2009, S.&nbsp;15</ref>

=== China ===
GSM-R occupies a 4&nbsp;MHz wide range of the E-GSM band (900&nbsp;MHz-GSM).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ellipsis.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RSR-Comments_1012.pdf |title=Representation to Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Allocation |publisher=Railway Safety Regulator |date=2012-09-25 |access-date=2013-04-07}}</ref>
* Uplink: 885–889&nbsp;MHz
* Downlink: 930–934&nbsp;MHz

=== India ===
GSM-R occupies a 1.6&nbsp;MHz wide range of the P-GSM band (900&nbsp;MHz-GSM) held by [[Indian Railways]]:<ref>{{cite web|title=GSM-R Frequencies India |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/telecom/TelecomManual/Chapter_XVIII.pdf |work=CHAPTER XVIII MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS – GSM-R |publisher=Indian Railways |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521165306/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/telecom/TelecomManual/Chapter_XVIII.pdf |archive-date=21 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=GSM-R Frequencies India|url=http://www.uic.org/cdrom/2004/ERTMS_conference_2004/docs/gupta.pdf|work=GSM-R as a Global Standard|publisher=International Union of Railways (UIC), UIC ERTMS Conference 2004, Rome|access-date=13 April 2013|archive-date=29 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529175205/http://www.uic.org/cdrom/2004/ERTMS_conference_2004/docs/gupta.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Uplink: 907.8–909.4&nbsp;MHz
* Downlink: 952.8–954.4&nbsp;MHz

=== Australia ===
GSM-R is being implemented within DCS 1800 band<ref>{{cite web |title=Spectrum – 1800 MHz Band Licences |url=https://web.acma.gov.au/rrl/spectrum_search.show_table?pSV_ID=85&pSS_ID=850 |website=ACMA Register of Radiocommunications Licences |access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref>
* Uplink: 1,770–1,785&nbsp;MHz
* Downlink: 1,865–1,880&nbsp;MHz

DCS 1800 band was initially divided and auctioned in paired parcels each of 2 × 2.5&nbsp;MHz with duplex spacing of 95&nbsp;MHz. State rail operators acquired six mostly non-grouped parcels which cover 2 × 15&nbsp;MHz of spectrum to deploy GSM-R.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Rail Industry Submission to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy 1800 MHz Spectrum Licenses |url=https://www.ara.net.au/sites/default/files/Rail%20Spectrum%20Submission%20-%2015%20July%202011.pdf |website=Australasian Railway Association |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328063339/https://ara.net.au/sites/default/files/Rail%20Spectrum%20Submission%20-%2015%20July%202011.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

State rail operators re-licensed 2 x 10&nbsp;MHz of 1800&nbsp;MHz spectrum in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney for Rail Safety and Control Communications. All except for South Australian Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (Adelaide) re-licensed 2 x 5&nbsp;MHz of 1800&nbsp;MHz spectrum at commercial rates set by Australian Government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radiocommunications (Spectrum Access Charges – 1800 MHz Band) Determination 2012 (No. 1) |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013L00010 |website=Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation |access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Radiocommunications (Spectrum Access Charges – 1800 MHz Band) Determination 2013 (No. 2) |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013L01995 |website=Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation |access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref>

=== Technical frequency usage in GSM-R ===
The used modulation is [[Minimum-shift keying|GMSK]] modulation (Gaussian Minimum-Shift Keying). GSM-R is a [[Time-division multiple access|TDMA]] ("Time-Division Multiple Access") system. Data transmission is made of periodical ''TDMA frames'' (with a period of 4.615&nbsp;ms), for each carrier frequency (physical channel). Each ''TDMA frame'' is divided in 8 time slots, named logical channels (577&nbsp;μs long, each time-slot), carrying 148 [[bit]]s of information.

There are worries that [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]] mobile communication will disturb GSM-R, since it has been given a frequency band rather close to GSM-R. This could cause ETCS disturbances, random emergency braking because of lost communications etc.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uic.org/com/article/the-gsm-r-frequency-workshop?page=thickbox_enews |title=The GSM-R Frequency Workshop |work=UIC eNews |date=19 May 2009 |publisher=UIC |issue=143 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314040831/http://www.uic.org/com/article/the-gsm-r-frequency-workshop?page=thickbox_enews |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref>

As a result, there is an increasing trend towards monitoring and managing GSM-R interference using active and automated testing on board trains and trackside.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Comtest Wireless|title=Interference solutions|url=http://www.comtestwireless.eu/solutions/interference-solutions/|website=Comtest Wireless|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-date=14 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714174049/http://www.comtestwireless.eu/solutions/interference-solutions/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Current GSM-R version ===
The GSM-R standard specification is divided in two EIRENE specifications:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uic.org/spip.php?article631#outil_sommaire_1 |publisher=UIC |date=13 March 2013 |access-date=11 January 2014 |title=The way from the idea to GSM-R |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111231007/http://www.uic.org/spip.php?article631 |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref>
* Functional Requirement Specification (FRS): the definition of higher lever functional requirements
* System Requirement Specification (SRS): the definition of the technical solutions supporting the functional requirements

EIRENE defines the "Technical Specification for Interoperability" (TSI) as the set of mandatory specifications to be fulfilled to keep compatibility with other European networks; current TSI are FRS 7 and SRS 15. EIRENE also defines non-mandatory specifications, that are called "Interim version", which defines extra features that are likely to become mandatory in the next TSIs. The current versions are 21 December 2015 versions FRS 8.0.0 and SRS 16.0.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uic.org/spip.php?article2581 |title=GSM-R Implementation Report |publisher=UIC |date=30 July 2010 |access-date=11 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111230658/http://www.uic.org/spip.php?article2581 |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref>
The GSM-R specifications are fairly stable; the latest mandatory upgrade was in 2006. The complete timeline of GSM-R versions is:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gsm-rail.com/node/10 | title=GSM-R Technology | work=GSM-R Industry Group | access-date=11 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711132640/http://www.gsm-rail.com/node/10 | archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref>
* December 2000: FRS 5/SRS 13, first version to be widely installed
* October 2003: FRS 6/SRS 14
* May 2006: FRS 7/SRS 15, current TSI
* June 2010: FRS7.1/SRS 15.1, current Interim version; the main added features over TSI are shunting radio and ETCS data only radio

The current version of GSM-R can run on both R99 and R4 3GPP networks.

== GSM-R uses ==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2014}}
[[File:Class 25 gsmr cab radio.jpg|thumb|right|Cab mounted GSM-R radio panel]]GSM-R permits new services and applications for mobile communications in several domains:
* Transmission of Long Line Public Address (LLPA) announcements to remote stations down the line
* Control and protection (Automatic Train Control/[[European Train Control System|ETCS]]) and [[European Rail Traffic Management System|ERTMS]]
* Communication between train driver and regulation center
* Communication of on-board working people
* Information sending for ETCS
* Communication between train stations, [[classification yard]] and [[rail tracks]]

It is used to transmit data between trains and railway regulation centers with level 2 and 3 of ETCS. When the train passes over a [[Eurobalise]], it transmits its new position and its speed, then it receives back agreement (or disagreement) to enter the next track and its new maximum speed.

[[File:GSM-R Sagem TiGR 350R.jpg|thumb|upright|A GSM-R mobile phone used by the [[National Railway Company of Belgium]]]]
Like other [[GSM]] devices, GSM-R equipment can transmit data and voice. New GSM-R features for mobile communication are based on GSM, and are specified by EIRENE project. Call features are:
* '''PtP Call''': ''Point-to-Point Call'', the same type of call as a normal [[GSM]] call
* '''VGCS''': ''Voice Group Call System'', quite similar to walkie-talkie communication but with a single uplink handled by the network (only one person can speak at a time)
* '''VBS''': ''Voice Broadcast System'', like a [[Voice group call service|VGCS]] but only the call initiator can speak (the other are only listeners)
* '''REC''': ''Railways Emergency Call'', is a special VGCS defined as 299 with the highest priority possible (0)
* '''SEC''': ''Shunting Emergency Call'', is a special VGCS defined as 599 with the highest priority possible (0)
* Priority control of all the different calls (PtP, VGCS, VBSm, REC and SEC calls)
There are other additional features:
* ''Functional Addressing'', alias system to call someone registered on the GSM-R network, only by knowing the temporary function user (engine driver of train such-and-such, ...)
* ''Location Dependent Addressing'', routing system to call the most appropriate train controller regarding the current train position by dialling a pre-defined short code
* ''Shunting'' mode, when users work on the tracks.

== GSM-R features ==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2014}}
[[File:GTM+.jpg|thumb|Portable GSM-R Cab Radio system]]
[[File:MTRS 1 BC.jpg|thumb|Compact GSM-R Cab Radio]]
[[File:MTRS 1+A RSH.jpg|thumb|Dual Mode Cab Radio (GSM-R and UIC 751–3) as 19“ rack]]
[[File:GSM-RgraphicalMMI.JPG|thumb|A graphical GSM-R cab radio interface – capable of displaying different languages]]
[[File:gsm-r mmi.jpg|thumb|GSM-R user interface with colour display]]
[[File:MMI25-1.jpg|thumb|GSM-R control panel for SBB]]

=== ASCI (Advanced Speech Call Items) features ===
The following definitions are a part of the System Requirements Specification (SRS) as defined by the EIRENE standard.<ref name="EIRENE SRS Version 15.3.0">{{cite news|url=http://www.era.europa.eu/Document-Register/Documents/Set-1-and-2-Index033-EIRENE%20SRS%20v1530.pdf |title=EIRENE SRS Version 15.3.0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416183149/http://www.era.europa.eu/Document-Register/Documents/Set-1-and-2-Index033-EIRENE%20SRS%20v1530.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 }}</ref>

==== VGCS (Voice Group Call Service) ====
:VGCS allows a great number of users to participate in the same call. This feature imitates the analogue [[Professional Mobile Radio|PMR]] (Private Mobile Radio) group call with the PTT key (Push-to-Talk).

:Three kinds of users are defined: the Talker, the Listener and the Dispatcher. The talker can become a listener by releasing the PTT key and a listener becomes a talker by pressing the PTT key.

:One advantage of VGCS compared to multi-party calls (the GSM conference call feature) is the spectrum efficiency. Indeed, when many users are in the same cell they will use only one frequency for all listeners and two frequencies for the talker (as in point-to-point call). In a multi-party call, one timeslot is dedicated to each user. The second advantage compared to multi-party calls is that it is not necessary to know which mobiles are to take part in the call. A VGCS call is established on a purely geographic basis, subject to a mobile having previously enabled reception of the group concerned.

==== VBS (Voice Broadcast Service) ====
:VBS is a broadcast group call: this means that compared to [[#VGCS (Voice Group Call Service)|VGCS]], only the initiator of the call can speak. The others who join the call can only be listeners. This kind of call is mainly used to broadcast recorded messages or to make announcements.

==== REC (Railway Emergency Call) ====
:''REC'' is a group call, or VGCS, dedicated to urgency. It is a higher priority call (REC priority is level 0 – see below : eMLPP).

==== SEC (Shunting Emergency Call) ====
The Shunting Emergency Call is a dedicated group call with the number 599. The call is established with an emergency level priority whose level is the highest possible priority 0. The SEC is enabled and used by devices registered for shunting operations. The establishment of such a call leads to automatic acceptance of the call on all enabled devices within the current area or cell-group configured.<ref name="EIRENE SRS Version 15.3.0" />

=== Multi-Level Precedence and Pre-emption Service (eMLPP) ===
:This defines the user's priority. The different priority levels are:

:* A and B: Highest priority levels (not used by GSM-R networks)
:* 0: Highest priority levels for ASCI and normal calls (mainly used for REC calls)
:* 1: Lower priority than level 0
:* 2: Lower priority than level 1
:* 3: Lower priority than level 2
:* 4: Lowest priority level (default priority, assigned to Point-to-Point calls)

:An ''Auto-Answering'' feature with a timer is also available for calls with priority 0, 1 and 2.

=== GSM-R Numbering Plan ===
The EIRENE SRS document defines a fixed numbering plan for GSM-R. It is defined by number prefixes.

:{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix
! Usage definition
|-
| 1
| Reserved for short codes
|-
| 2
| Train Function Number
|-
| 3
| Engine Function Number
|-
| 4
| Coach Number
|-
| 50
| Group calls
|-
| 51
| Broadcast calls
|-
| 52–55
| Reserved for international use
|-
| 56–57
| Reserved for national use
|-
| 58
| Reserved for system use
|-
| 59
| Reserved for system use
|-
| 6
| Maintenance and shunting team members
|-
| 7
| Train controllers
|-
| 8
| Mobile Subscriber Number
|-
| 9
| Reserved for breakout codes and national use
|-
| 0
| Reserved for access to public or to other GSM-R networks
|-
|}

Those numbers are used for functional registration and fixed entries for MSISDN or short dialcodes as defined within the HLR. 807660 for example defines a MSISDN of a mobile subscriber. The number 23030301 would be a functional number associated with the train number 30303 and the role of the user 01.

=== Eirene features ===

==== Functional number management ====
:* Functional numbering
:** Allows to call a mobile station by its function: driver of the train xxx , ...
:** It uses:
:*** USSD and Follow Me
:*** UUS1 (for number display)

:* Location dependent addressing
:** Establishes a call from a mobile station to (usually) a fixed subscriber/dispatcher performing a function in the area where the mobile station is located.

==== End Call Confirmation ====
:End Call Confirmation feature is only available for highest priority (Priority level 0) group calls (VGCS) and broadcast calls (VBS) (see eMLPP).
:It consists of an end call report which sent by all mobile stations which joined the high priority call (initiator included). This report informs about:
:* Call type
:* Call duration
:* Mobile station identity
:* End call cause Normal, ended by user, mobile station power off by user, power off due to low battery, …)
:* …

:If the report cannot be sent (mobile station power off by user or power off due to low battery), the mobile station will try again (several times if needed) to send the report at the next power on.

==== Shunting mode ====
:Shunting mode is the application that will regulate and control user access to shunting communications.
:A Link Assurance Signal (LAS) is provided to give reassurance to the driver that the radio link is working.

==== Direct mode ====
:Direct mode is the walkie-talkie mode (mobiles station talking to each other without the network) and has been proposed in Eirene, however it has never been in application since being based on analogue radio.
:Sagemcom claims to have developed a GSM direct mode, not currently recognized in the GSM-R specification, and has no frequency allocation.

== GSM-R market ==

=== GSM-R market groups ===
Different groups make up the GSM-R market:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gsm-r.uic.asso.fr/implement_map.html | title=Implementation planning and progress | work=GSM-R | date=23 May 2006 | access-date=11 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014133845/http://gsm-r.uic.asso.fr/implement_map.html | archive-date=14 October 2007}}</ref>{{update after|2014|1|11}}

;The network operators and the railway operators:

:{|class="wikitable"
 |+ '''Contract awarded / Currently implementing:'''
 |-
 ! Country
 ! Network operator
 ! Railway operator(s)
 ! Equipment
 |-
 |[[Algeria]] || [[SNTF]] || [[SNTF]]/[[ANESRIF]] || [[Kontron]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 |Austria || [[Austrian Federal Railways|ÖBB]]-IKT GmbH || [[ÖBB]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]
 |-
 | Australia || [[Department of Transport Victoria]] || [[Metro Trains Melbourne]] || [[Nokia Networks]]/[[WINGCON]]
 |-
 | Australia || [[UGL (company)|UGL]] || [[Transport Asset Holding Entity]] || [[Huawei]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Belgium || [[Infrabel]] || [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]]|| [[Kontron]]/[[Nokia Siemens]]
 |-
 | [[Bulgaria]] || [[National Railway Infrastructure Company|NRIC]] || [[National Railway Infrastructure Company|NRIC]]|| [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | China || [[Ministry of Railways (China)|China Ministry of Railway]] || [[China Railways|CR]] || [[Huawei]]/[[ZTE]]
 |-
 | [[Czech Republic]] || [[Správa železnic]]|| [[České dráhy|ČD]] || [[Kontron]]
 |-
 | Denmark || [[Banedanmark]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=18319 |title=GSM-R-radioer i brug på danske jernbaner |date=18 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416210224/http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=18319 |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=1 July 2019 }}</ref> || [[DSB (railway company)|DSB]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[WINGCON]]/Wenzel Elektronik/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | France || [[SNCF Réseau]] || [[SNCF]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]
 |-
 | France/[[Great Britain]] || [[Getlink]] || [[Getlink]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Trans Data Management AG|Trans Data Management]]
 |-
 | Germany || [[DB InfraGO]]|| [[Deutsche Bahn|DB]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Great Britain || [[Network Rail]] || [[List of companies operating trains in the United Kingdom#Current passenger operators|List of passenger operators]] || [[Siemens Mobility]] + [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Greece || [[Hellenic Railways Organisation|OSE A.E.]] || [[Hellenic Train]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[Siemens Mobility]]
 |-
 | Hungary || [[Vasúti Pályakapacitás-elosztó Kft.|VPE]] || [[Hungarian State Railways|MÁV]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | India || [[Nokia Siemens Networks]] || [[Indian Railways|IR]] || [[Nokia Siemens]]/[[WINGCON]] + [[Kontron]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Ireland || [[CIÉ]] || [[Iarnród Éireann|IÉ]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Israel || [[Israel Railways]] || [[Israel Railways]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[Motorola Solutions]]
 |-
 | Italy || [[Rete Ferroviaria Italiana|RFI]] || [[Trenitalia|TI]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[Kontron]]
 |-
 | [[Lithuania]] || [[Lithuanian Railways]] || [[Lithuanian Railways]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | [[Luxembourg]] || [[Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois|CFL]] || [[Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois|CFL]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]
 |-
 | Netherlands || [[Mobirail]] (for [[ProRail]]) || [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen|NS]] & [[:Category:Railway companies of the Netherlands|others]] || [[Nokia Networks]]/[[KPN]]
 |-
 | Norway || [[Bane NOR]] || [[Vy]]/[[SJ AB|SJ Nord]]/[[Go-Ahead Norge|Go-Ahead Nordic]] || [[Nokia Networks]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Poland || [[PKP PLK]] || [[PKP Group|PKP]] & [[:Category:Railway companies of Poland|others]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Saudi Arabia || [[Thales Group]] together with [[Nokia Networks]] || Saudi Arabian Railways ||
 |-
 | Saudi Arabia || [[AlShoula]] together with [[Adif|ADIF]] || [[Saudi Arabian Organisation]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
|-
 | [[Slovakia]] || [[Railways of Slovak Republic – ŽSR|ŽSR]] || [[Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko|ZSSK]] || [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]
|-
| [[Slovenia]]
| [[Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Railway Transport|AZP]]
| [[Slovenian Railways|SŽ]]
| [[Kontron]]/[[WINGCON]]/[[Iskratel, d.o.o]]
|-
 | Spain || [[Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias|ADIF]] || [[Renfe]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[Kontron]]
 |-
 | Sweden || [[Trafikverket]] || [[SJ AB|SJ]], [[Hector Rail]], [[Green Cargo]] || [[Nokia Networks]] + [[WINGCON]]/Wenzel Elektronik
 |-
 | Switzerland || Siemens together with SBB Telecom || [[Swiss Federal Railways|SBB/CFF/FFS]] || [[WINGCON]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | Switzerland || NSS/BSS: Siemens together with SBB Telecom  || [[BLS Switzerland AG|BLS Switzerland]] || [[Trans Data Management AG]]
 |-
 | Turkey || – || [[Turkish State Railways]] || [[Kontron]]/[[Frequentis AG]]
 |-
 | [[Turkmenistan]] || – || [[Turkmen Railways]] || [[Huawei]]
 |-
 |}

:{|class="wikitable"
 |+ '''Planning phase / Contracting:'''
 |-
 ! Country:
 ! Network operator:
 ! Railway operator(s):
 |-
 | [[Croatia]] (Pilot site) || – || [[Croatian Railways|HŽ]]
 |}

:{|class="wikitable"
 |+ '''Feasibility phase:'''
 |-
 ! Country:
 ! Network operator:
 ! Railway operator(s):
 |-
 | [[Bangladesh]] || [[Bangladesh Railway]] || [[Bangladesh Railway]]
 |-
 | Northern Ireland || – || [[NI Railways|NIR]]
 |-
 | Russia || – || [[Russian Railways]]
 |-
 | United States || [[United States Department of Transportation|US-DOT]] || [[Amtrak]]
 |}

:{|class="wikitable"
 |+ '''Former users:'''
 |-
 ! Country:
 ! Network operator:
 ! Railway operator(s):
 ! Equipment:
 ! Discontinued:
 ! Comments:
 |-
 | Finland || [[Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency|Väylävirasto]] || [[VR Group|VR]] || [[Nokia Siemens]]<br />[[Frequentis AG]] || 30.04.2019 || Users were switched to the existing [[TETRA]]-based national [[VIRVE]] government radio network.<br />This was favored over the option of replacing the current end-of-life GSM-R network.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vayla.fi/ammattiliikenne-raiteilla/rautateiden-puheviestinta |title=Rautateiden liikenneviestintä |website=Väylävirasto |language=fi-FI |date=2020-06-08 |access-date=2020-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://digirata.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Digirata-selvitysprojektin-va%CC%88lijulkaisu_2.pdf |title=Digirata-selvitysprojektin välijulkaisu 2 |publisher=Finrail Oy |date=2019-11-12 |access-date=2020-06-08}}</ref>
 |}

== Railways using GSM-R ==

=== Australia ===
Transport NSW is installing a Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) throughout the {{Convert|1455|km||adj=on}} electrified rail network, including 66 tunnels covering {{Convert|70|km|}}, bounded by [[Kiama railway station|Kiama]], [[Macarthur railway station|Macarthur]], [[Lithgow railway station|Lithgow]], [[Bondi Junction railway station|Bondi Junction]] and [[Newcastle Interchange|Newcastle]] with GSM-R to replace the existing analogue MetroNet train radio. The replacement will fulfil recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the [[Waterfall rail accident]] to provide a common platform of communication for staff working on the railway. The equipment will be installed at about 250 locations and more than 60 sites in tunnels. The old analogue network was dismantled in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/metronet-removal-project |title=Digital Train Radio System |work=Transport for NSW |date=15 April 2020 |access-date=10 June 2020}}</ref>

[[Public Transport Victoria]] has installed a Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) on the [[Melbourne]] train network with GSM-R to replace the old system called Urban Train Radio System (UTRS).  The equipment was installed at about 100 locations. It cost $152 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/rail-projects/digital-train-radio-system/ | title=Digital Train Radio System | publisher=[[Victoria State Government]] | work=PTV Corporate | year=2012 | access-date=13 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629002926/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/rail-projects/digital-train-radio-system/ | archive-date=29 June 2013}}</ref>[[File:TGV POS Nuremberg Ingolstadt.jpg|thumb|[[SNCF TGV POS|TGV POS]], linking Paris to Germany and Switzerland]]

=== France ===
[[File:Ice paris.jpg|thumb|[[Intercity Express|ICE 3M]] at [[Gare de l'Est]] in Paris]]
In France, the first commercial railway route opened with full GSM-R coverage is the [[LGV Est]] européenne linking Paris [[Gare de l'Est]] to [[Strasbourg]]. It was opened on 10 June 2007.
* On Sunday, 10 June 2007 at 06:43, the first high speed train to run on it was the [[Intercity Express|ICE]], the [[High-speed rail|high speed train]] from the German passenger operator: [[Deutsche Bahn]]. It linked the ''Gare de l'Est'' in Paris to [[Saarbrücken]] (Germany).
* On the same day, at 07:15, it was the opportunity of the [[SNCF TGV POS|TGV POS]], the latest generation high speed train from the French operator, [[SNCF]]. It linked [[Strasbourg]] to Paris (Gare de l'Est).<ref>Réf. SNCF – Paris Agence France Presse (AFP), Sunday 10 June 2007, 07h13 (am).</ref>

=== Italy ===
As of 2008, in Italy more than {{Convert|9000|km|}} of railway lines are served by the GSM-R infrastructure: this number includes both ordinary and high speed lines, as well as more than {{Convert|1000|km||abbr=on}} of tunnels. Roaming agreements with other Italian mobile operators allow coverage of lines not directly served by GSM-R. Roaming agreements have also been set up with French and Swiss railway companies and it is planned to extend them to other countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=07b08c3e13e0a110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD|language=it|title=GSM-R, per la telecomunicazione mobile|access-date=21 December 2008|trans-title=GSM-R for mobile telecommunication|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218071853/http://www.rfi.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=07b08c3e13e0a110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD|archive-date=18 December 2013|publisher=[[Rete Ferroviaria Italiana]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Netherlands ===
In the Netherlands, there is coverage on all the lines and the old system called [[Telerail]] was abandoned in favour of GSM-R in 2006.

=== Norway ===
In Norway, the GSM-R network was opened on all lines on 1 January 2007, replacing the older [[Scanet]] network.

=== United Kingdom ===
[[File:GSM-R Cab Radio on Sprinter DMU.jpg|thumb|Siemens UK GSM-R Cab Radio fitted on a [[Northern Rail]] Sprinter DMU]]{{Update section|date=April 2018}}[[File:DAC GSM-R railway crossing telephone.jpg|alt=GSM-R Trackside Telephone|thumb|DAC Limited GSM-R Trackside Telephone in North Wales]]
The implementation of over {{Convert|14000|km||abbr=on}} of GSM-R enabled railway, intended to replace both its legacy VHF 205&nbsp;MHz National Radio Network (NRN) and UHF 450&nbsp;MHz suburban [[Cab Secure Radio]] (CSR) systems is now complete as of January 2016. 
* By October 2013, both the [[West Coast Main Line]] (WCML) and [[East Coast Main Line]] (ECML) to Scotland were covered by GSM-R and UK train operator [[Northern Rail]] had implemented GSM-R on a significant number of routes in North and North-West of England. 
*In spring 2013, the [[Rail Delivery Group|Association of Train Operating Companies']] website ''GSM-R Online'' announced that the implementation of the Southern half of the UK GSM-R system was complete as the final CA15 section had gone live (The UK GSM-R Project implementation divided the Mainland North and South of a map-line running from the Severn in the West to the Wash on the East coast). Infrastructure and installation work continued North of this division. Britain's GSM-R network was originally expected to be fully operational by 2013, but due to slippage in equipment fitting a later date became more likely. However, a [[Rail Safety & Standards Board]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20140109110857/http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_Group_Standards/Control%20Command%20and%20Signalling/Guidance%20Notes/GKGN0554%20Iss%201.pdf document] indicated that the UK's Telecommunications Regulator, Ofcom, was to withdraw the existing NRN 205&nbsp;MHz frequencies by 2015. Britain's GSM-R network's cost was originally put at £1.2 billion. That cost though did not include the WCML.
* The [[Cambrian Line]] [[European Rail Traffic Management System|ERTMS]] – [[Pwllheli railway station|Pwllheli]] to [[Harlech railway station|Harlech]] Rehearsal commenced on 13 February 2010 and successfully finished on 18 February 2010. The driver familiarisation and practical handling stage of the Rehearsal had provided an excellent opportunity to monitor the use of GSM-R voice in operation on this route. The first train departed Pwllheli at 08:53hrs in ERTMS Level 2 Operation with GSM-R voice being used as the only means of communication between the driver and the signaller.
* [[Network Rail]] fitted out a test train at [[Derby]] it purchased for RSV testing of the GSM-R network. The train was formed from ex Gatwick Express stock. At a cost of £5.9 million, this custom-built machine known as the RSV (Radio Signal Verification) train started monitoring the Newport Synergy scheme and the [[Cambrian Line]].
* On 2 September 2009, the [[Rugby railway station|Rugby]] to [[Stoke-on-Trent railway station|Stoke]] section went live.
* The first train ([[Virgin Trains West Coast]] [[British Rail Class 390|390034]] on the 09:15 [[Manchester Piccadilly railway station|Manchester Piccadilly]] service to [[Euston railway station|London Euston]]) to use GSM-R on the south end of the WCML ran on 27 May 2009. This was the first vehicle to run in passenger service with GSM-R outside of the Strathclyde trial.
* A fully functional GSM-R system had been on trial on the [[North Clyde Line]] in Scotland since 2007. For some years before these trials commenced however, GSM-R had been in use for voice-only purposes – known as the 'Interim Voice Radio System' (IVRS) – in some locations where [[axle counter]]s are used for train detection, for example parts of the WCML between [[Crewe railway station|Crewe]] and [[Wembley Central railway station|Wembley]].

{{As of|2016|alt=As of spring 2016}}, the only areas of UK Network Rail still currently employing VHF train radio communications are on sections of the [[Highland Main Line|Highland]] and [[Far North Line|Far North]] lines in Scotland, where the [[Radio Electronic Token Block]] system is utilised, using modified Ofcom frequencies around 180&nbsp;MHz, having been de-scoped from the National GSM-R plan, due to practical difficulties involved in deploying the GSM-R system in this region. Currently, 100% of the UK network has GSM-R coverage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The what, why and how of the GSM-R System |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NRT_OverviewGuide_update_FA_HR.pdf |website=Network Rail}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
GSM-R-Station.jpg|GSM-R transmitter mast on the Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed railway line
GSM-R Panel Antennas on Lattice Mast.jpg|Kathrein GSM-R Panel Antennas on Lattice Mast
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.uic.org/gsmr GSM-R] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530140750/http://www.uic.org/gsmr |date=30 May 2016 }} at the [[International Union of Railways]]
* {{web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609030616/http://gsm-rail.com/|title=gsm-rail.com}}
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[[Category:European Rail Traffic Management System]]
[[Category:GSM standard]]
[[Category:Rail transport mobile telecommunications standards]]