The Indian Railways has asked Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VoICE) for setting up a 5G-based mobile communication network on a trial basis between Palwal and Mathura stations, in a consortium mode on the premium 700 megahertz (MHz) spectrum band as proof-of-concept. As per VoICE, the aforesaid work order in Palwal-Mathura sector of 82 kilometres is expected to be completed in 9-12 months’ time.
VoICE members include companies such as Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited, Telecommunications Consultants India, Signaltron, Lekha Wireless, Coral Telecom, Sparsh, Astrome, Dyotis, etc.. This is also the first 5G pilot for a private enterprise network that will be conducted by Indian telecom gear makers.
The successful trial will help association members to scale up their businesses and benefit from Indian Railways Rs 590 billion modernisation plan. The body also noted that the Indian Railways will share their existing infrastructure including spectrum. The pilot project will cover various railway communications like train control communication, emergency communication, gate phone, communication between train controller/station master and driver/guard, track maintenance staff, mission-critical push to talk and group cast mass notification along with mission critical services like floor control, audio and video broadcast, push to talk services and special priority calls.
