Awarded by the Queensland Government, the new Digital Radio System (DRS) will be deployed as part of Stage 1 of The Wave, a major public transport and rail infrastructure programme connecting Brisbane with the Sunshine Coast. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Queensland Rail and their delivery partners are implementing the DRS to support the region’s continued growth.

South-East Queensland is among Australia’s fastest-growing regions, driving increasing demand for reliable and efficient public transport connections. As the rail network expands and prepares to accommodate rising passenger volumes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland is investing in digital technologies designed to enhance the capacity, reliability and operational efficiency of its rail services.

The DRS will deliver the mission-critical communications specified as Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) and required to support Alstom’s digital European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. The system will help enable secure, reliable and highly available data exchange between trains and railway infrastructure.

Frequentis will provide Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) platform capabilities as part of the communications work package being delivered by UGL Transport, together with Ericsson and Frequentis. This scope includes 3GPP Mission Critical Data (MCData) services, including MCData IP connectivity, and Trackside Gateway functions.

The solution will establish an FRMCS-aligned foundation for the future evolution of Queensland’s railway communications, supporting the transition toward next-generation digital rail connectivity and mission-critical services.

“This project will help build a safer, more reliable and future-ready railway in Queensland by providing the mission-critical communications required for digital train control. Frequentis is proud to create local jobs in Queensland and contribute its FRMCS expertise in support of ETCS Level 2, while helping establish a pathway towards next-generation FRMCS communications and services,” says Martin Rampl, Managing Director, Frequentis Australasia.