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The UIC Global FRMCS Conference 2024, held in Paris (19–20 November), attracted over 300 delegates from across the industry and highlighted critical advancements and strategic directions in the development of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). Here are our top takeaways from the event: Significant progress is being made in the development of FRMCS with excitement building for the release of V2 of the FRMCS specification. Given that major European countries have announced the turnoff of 2G (GSM) as early as summer 2028, the obsolescence and lack of ongoing support for GSM-R is driving the move to FRMCS. There...

We're pleased to announce that Wray Castle will be at the 3rd annual UIC FRMCS Conference 2024 at the UIC Headquarters in Paris on 19-20 Nov. UIC FRMCS Conference 2024 During the 2-days, you will receive a complete overview of the various components of the FRMCS Programme, while also having the opportunity to network with the industry leaders who are making FRMCS a reality. If you're going to be in Paris come and meet us on at the exhibition and learn how Wray Castle in partnership with the UIC has build the UIC Rail Academy: Telecoms Section to build the specialist knowledge, skills, and...

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Webinar Recording The first release of the FRMCS standards have been published and the 5G Rail project was successfully concluded. Based on the findings from that project, FRMCS v2.0 will be created, paving the way for the MORANE 2 project leading ultimately to the ‘1st Edition’ of the FRMCS specification (v3.0). Version 3.0 is anticipated to be available in 2027 allowing FRMCS to gradually replace GSM-R. The two systems will initially operate in parallel, known as the migration period. But how will the two peacefully coexist? This webinar looks at the work being undertaken by the Franco-German Ecosystem for Private...

The UIC Rail Academy: Telecoms Section features a suite of specialist training solutions for the railway industry covering rail radio engineering and associated technologies. Join us for live instructor-led training courses: FRMCS Overview: 1-2 Jul & 13-14 Aug FRMCS Engineering: 20-21 May, 3-6 June & 15-18 July GSM-R Engineering Overview: 10-13 Jun ERTMS/ETCS for Radio Engineers: 8-10 May & 5-8 Aug Early Bird Discounts Available: Save 20% (Register 1 month before the course date)

We are pleased to announce that the new Applied Telecoms Engineering and Critical Communications and Infrastructure Programmes have has achieved City & Guilds Assured Status. Assured status provides validation and recognition for the learner, it's a symbol of learning excellence and quality and is a reassurance that the training undertaken meets best practice standards. Each programme features guided learning pathways combining foundation courses designed to give learners a thorough understanding of the telecoms industry. The specialist learning tracks aim to equip learners with the necessary expertise to excel in their chosen field. Applied Telecoms Engineering Programme The Applied Telecoms Engineering Programme provides individuals working...

We're pleased to announce that Wray Castle will be attending Rail Live 2023 in Madrid (29 Nov - 1 Dec). Meet us as Rail Live 2023 and learn about our partnership with the UIC to build and launch the UIC Rail Academy: Telecoms Section. 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...

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence being constructed in South Wales is one of the most critical and creative infrastructure projects happening anywhere in European rail. With benefits for the industry and for government; for our natural environment and for the local and national economies, the project is unique in its vision and the multiple benefits it will bring. As a site for world class rail innovation GCRE will bring people and ideas together, supporting the design and development of imaginative new technologies and concepts that can be the backbone of the stronger, greener, and more affordable rail network of...

FRMCS Overview Live Online: 7-8 Nov (9am-1pm CET) Course Modules FRMCS – An Introduction FRMCS Requirements Spectrum Issues FRMCS Reference Architecture 5G Mission Critical Communications Learn more and registerBook by 15th October: Save 20% FRMCS Engineering Live Online: 5-7 Dec (9am-2pm CET) Course Modules: 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 Learn more and registerBook by 5th November: Save 20%  

The UIC Rail Telecoms 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. Learn more here.

Join us on 4-5 October at the UIC Headquarters in Paris for the new in-depth FRMCS Engineering Course.GSM-R end of life is anticipated to be around 2030 which only leaves a few years to find a replacement system. The UIC has published updates to the FRMCS documents, which outline what will be required of a future system.  One of the key elements of success is developing the necessary skills of engineers well in advance of the start of FRMCS deployment. This fully updated 2-day FRMCS Engineering instructor-led training course is designed for anyone who would like to gain insight into how mobile telecommunications for railways may migrate to FRMCS.During this course, you will:...

The Academy is being set up through a strategic partnership with Wray Castle; the first programme is being launched today, dedicated to telecoms (Paris, 8 June 2023) UIC, the worldwide rail organisation, is today launching its UIC Rail Academy. On this occasion, François Davenne, UIC Director General, underlined this important step taken by the UIC, for the benefit of the sector as a whole, specifying that this Academy is part of the association's strategic objectives for the period 2023-2025: “There is a need to rethink learning strategies to develop the skills of staff and to attract the talent of the...

Our mission at Wray Castle we empower the global telecoms world by developing the specialist knowledge, skills and competencies organisations need to build, maintain, optimise and operate the cutting-edge communications networks of today and tomorrow. As part of that commitment and to support professionals across the industry and encourage lifelong learning, we’ve launched Wray Castle Connect, the new networking hub for telecoms professionals. Wray Castle Connect provides its members with regular blogs, recorded training content, and a range of programs and events, offering various activities to engage and educate. Wray Castle Connect is a welcoming place with an open door...

Our Online Rail Academy help address the skills gap and delivers effective integrated training programmes that truly engage employees in their own development, whether its new starters, identified talent or experienced engineers. Our proven platform combined with our Gold Standard training material covers the major rail communications systems, (Incl. GSM-R, ERTMS/ETCS and FRMCS) as well as a thorough ground on the technologies that underpin them, and effectively enables knowledge transfer and upskills staff across an organisation. We empower industry giants like Vodafone and Network Rail to fill their skills gap and develop, retain and attract the industries best talent and ensure they...

Webinar Recorded:  9th November 2021 FRMCS is the Future Railway Mobile Communications System and is an integral part of the digital railway. The term digital railway was coined when GSM-R was deployed on the European networks to provide train to trackside communications. GSM-R is a digital radio system that has been used successfully over the past 20 years - over 100,000 Km of lines have been covered with more to come in the coming years. However, GSM-R has a limited lifespan with equipment vendors stating that they no longer wish to support GSM-R beyond 2030. GSM-R, as well as providing...

There is a lot of news in the press concerning the ‘digital railway’ as if this is a recent development.  In fact the digital railway came into being with the first operational implementation of GSM-R in 1999.  The International Union of Railways (UIC) describe GSM-R as ‘the bearer for the first Digital Railway Radio Communications System’.  GSM-R is a second generation (2G) digital radio system based on the commercial GSM mobile telephony system, but adapted for use on the railways.  It have been hugely successful across Europe, being used in over 20 countries across 100, 000 Km of tracks and...

Rail networks increasingly depend on efficient and reliable communications networks, the demand for up-to-date technical skills for those involved in maintaining and developing transport communications systems continues to grow, investing in the right training to develop up-to-date skills is vital. Designed and delivered by our industry leading subject matter experts, our collection of live and tutor supported self-study courses cover current transport communication technologies including GSM-R and GSM-R support for ERTMS/ETCS, including future developments that will come with FRMCS. As well as in-depth investigation of the technologies each course also considers operational procedures and practices, network performance and radio planning....

Railways across Europe rely on GSM-R for voice and data communications including ETCS (European Train Control System) signalling, however GSM-R is predicted to reach end-of-life by 2030.  A replacement needs to be found.  The International Union of Railways (UIC) having already specified GSM-R have now outlined the Future Railway Mobile Communications System.  FRMCS is not intended to simply be a replacement for GSM-R but it’s an opportunity for railway undertakings to harmonize all of their railway related communications needs.  GSM-R is ideal for voice and low bit rate data communications, but a modern railway demands broadband capability to support applications...

Rail and transport networks depend on telecoms, without reliable communications systems networks could not operate safely, we help engineers build the knowledge to truly understand each system and keep up-to-date with their emerging capabilities.Our self-paced on-demand distance learning courses feature illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support delivered in a modern, secure, cross-device Virtual Learning Environment.Designed to enable you to fit your learning around your schedule, our expanding portfolio of courses include: GSM-R Engineering Overview (Course Duration: 22 Hours) ERTMS/ETCS for Radio Engineers (Course Duration: 32 Hours) FRMCS - Future Railway Mobile Communications System (Course Duration: 22 Hours)...

Railway networks depend on telecoms.  Without adequate systems in place, trains would not be able to run. GSM-R, adopted in most European countries following International Union of Railways (UIC) guidelines, provides a vital radio communication link between train drivers and signallers, as well as supporting the European Train Control System (ETCS), which details train movements without the need for lineside signalling. Internet Protocol (IP) technologies are used widely in support of signalling activities, critical communication links, surveillance and CCTV monitoring amongst many others, supported by an extensive fibre and copper network. Wi-Fi provides connectivity to the internet for passengers but...