The 5G Strategic Deployment Agenda for Connectivity and Sustainability in Europe
The Strategic Deployment Agenda (SDA) for 5G Connectivity and Spectrum for Rail represents the vision for the future of railway communications in Europe. This document outlines the implementation strategy for two 5G key initiatives: the “Gigabit Train” and the “Digital Rail Operations”, which are designed to significantly enhance both passenger experience and railway operational efficiency.
This 5GSDA is vital for SNS JU as it aligns with its core mission to implement 5G technologies across European rail corridors – the “5G Corridors”, funded under the Connecting Europe Facility – Digital by HaDEA – the EU Health and Digital Executive Agency. They support the critical transition to sustainable transport through digital innovation and 5G, while enabling the deployment of advanced rail operations that will revolutionize the future of European rail transportation.
The SDA aims to address five fundamental objectives:
- Identifying railway services requirements and performance levels
- Determining the necessary technical innovations
- Understanding the market conditions and ensuring adapted regulatory frameworks are in place
- Defining deployment scenarios along 5G corridors and options for underpinning cooperation models
- Establishing clear planning and implementation timelines
This 5G strategic agenda represents a collaborative effort between the rail sector and various stakeholders, including mobile network operators, to address current challenges in railway connectivity. It presents a roadmap for implementation as of 2027, focusing on both passenger connectivity needs (targeting 3-5 Gbps per train) and operational requirements through the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).
The document serves as a foundational framework for innovation, public-private cooperation, and investment strategies in railway communications infrastructure, supporting the European Union’s broader goals of sustainable and smart mobility.
Download the 5GSDA here: [PDF link]
