Ericsson is providing the 5G-enabled Digital Radio System (DRS) for a rail communications network across South-East Queensland, Australia.

Queensland Rail is rolling out a new digital signaling and train control system as part of rail infrastructure modernization program connecting Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The deployment comes ahead of the upcoming 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane.

The DRS will underpin mission-critical 5G communications for European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, a signaling technology that enables continuous digital train control. According to the vendor, the technology will "provide a pathway toward Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) capabilities, helping improve safety, operational efficiency, and network capacity."

This revolves around an Ericsson private 5G radio access network (RAN) alongside a geographically redundant 5G core network and cloud infrastructure delivered by Ericsson’s Integrated Core Solution. The network will be deployed using the 1.9 GHz spectrum band.

Ericsson will work with UGL Transport and Frequentis to deliver the first operational section of the DRS to the Sunshine Coast line, described as key corridor in the wider upgrade plans for Queensland’s rail network.

"This is a significant moment for digital rail in Australia. Ericsson's mission-critical private 5G platform will underpin Queensland's next-generation rail communications network, supporting safer operations and enabling the introduction of European Train Control System Level 2 digital train control," Ludvig Landgren, head of Ericsson for Australia and New Zealand, noted in a statement.

Ericsson's most recent financials saw organic sales grow by 4% in its South East Asia, Oceania and India segment, which includes the Australasia region. Despite the uptick, reported sales decreased by 2% year-over-year (YoY).