China Approves 5G-R Trials for Railway Digitalization

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has granted approval for the trial frequencies of the new generation of mobile communication systems for railways, known as 5G-R. This approval enables the China State Railway Group to conduct on-site technical trials of the 5G-R system on selected routes, marking a significant step towards the digitalization and intelligence of the railway network.

The Ministry, in response to the long-term frequency usage needs of the railways, has conducted extensive coordination and research. In 2023, it guided the China State Railway Group to initiate external field trials of the 5G-R technology, focusing on testing key functionalities such as vehicle-to-ground data transmission and multimedia dispatch communication. The recent approval of the 5G-R trial frequencies aims to validate the system's performance under high-speed and heavy-load conditions, ensuring frequency compatibility and enhancing the overall functionality of the 5G-R system.

Railway wireless communication plays a crucial role in supporting core operations such as train control, command and dispatch, and safety protection. As the modernization of the railway system accelerates, the adoption of high-speed, low-latency, and highly reliable 5G technology to build the next generation of railway mobile communication systems has become a key development trend. This move is expected to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of railway operations.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will work closely with the relevant railway authorities to ensure efficient planning and utilization of radio frequencies. This collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of the 5G-R system, thereby supporting the nation's goals of becoming a transportation and network powerhouse. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of the railway system, ultimately contributing to the broader objectives of building a strong transportation and network infrastructure.