Swiss Federal Railways Selects Frequentis to Deliver a New Future Proof Communication System

The new system platform follows the FRMCS target architecture and will replace the existing communication system in control centres.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has selected Frequentis to deliver and implement a new communication
system that will replace the current dispatcher system and manage communication for over 11,000
trains daily. The new platform called IMS Service BTA will enhance communication between train
control centres, staff, and emergency teams, ensuring smoother operations across the network.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with SBB, a relationship that has spanned nearly 20 years,” says Thomas Karl, Vice President Frequentis Public Transport. “The new system will support SBB’s rail operations well into the next decade and underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class solutions to world-leading railways.”

Frequentis’ advanced FTS3020 Release 6 product is based upon the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) target architecture and will be implemented as a fully software-based system. This means it can be easily integrated with SBB’s existing infrastructure without major disruptions to operations. The system will maintain seamless communication during the transition, ensuring that trains continue to operate reliably.

The advanced technology also supports ongoing standardisation efforts for railway making the switch to future technologies such as 5G and MCX smoother for SBB.

Frequentis will provide  integration, and maintenance services for the new system, reflecting its commitment to the safety efficiency of Switzerland's railways. The project comes as part of a successful partnership since 2006, with services provided from Vienna, Austria, and Olten, Switzerland.