Retrofitting services for GSM-R radio communication devices

What does the retrofitting of your GSM-R Radio Communication Devices mean?

The Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) is an international wireless communications standard that provides internal railway communication. It is used for track-to-train communication in ETCS Level 2 and 3 operation, as well as for spoken communication between train drivers and rail traffic control centres. However, as the GSM-R is prone to interference, the Federal Government funds the replacement of existing GSM-R radio modules with interference-resistant devices, as well as the installation of suitable filters. 

Why are retrofitting services for GSM-R radio communication devices important?

Train operators, manufacturers and rail transport companies must ensure that upgraded GSM-R radio modules achieve interference-resistance compliant with the ETSI TS 102 933-1 standard or with Regulation (EU) 2016/919. This concerns the technical specification for interoperability related to the “control-command and signalling (CCS)” subsystems of the railway system within the European Union.

Our experts assess your modernised or new systems, to ensure that your vehicles are interoperable, and can run safely without restrictions.

An evaluation of radio communication equipment by us as a Notified Body (NoBo), Designated Body (DeBo) and Assessment Body (AsBo) has several benefits:

• We support you in meeting your own objectives in terms of safety, performance, quality and interoperability
• You receive high-quality services to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations
• We confirm that upgraded systems meet the actual requirements necessary

TÜV SÜD is your partner of choice when upgrading your radio communication equipment

Working across various projects around the world, our global network of experts possesses a vast amount of experience in evaluating equipped vehicles with a voice radio.  Most of them have been multi-system locomotives, but also multiple units, including double-decker trains. Within our projects, we have not only provided services as a NoBo for CCS and LOC&PAS, but also as a DeBo and AsBo.

Our team continuously works closely with the NB-Rail association to improve the testing procedures and basis – amongst others. Additionally, we are  an associated partner of EBC (Eisenbahn-Cert).

TÜV SÜD’s services for upgrading radio communication equipment

Our experts in signalling technology support train manufacturers and operators that their upgraded radio communications equipment meets relevant requirements.

We provide services as a Notified Body (NoBo)

• TSI CCS in line with 2016/919 (incl. modifications)
• TSI LOC&PAS in line with 1302/2014 (incl. modifications)

• Radio System Compatibility Checks (RSC) in accordance with TSI CCS

We provide services as a Designated Body (DeBo)

• We are a designated body in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and Italy
• Confirmation if the national rules (NNTR) of the respective member state are met

We provide services as an Assessment Body (AsBo)

• Requirements capture in line with 2018/545 (incl. modifications)
• CSM RA in line with regulation 402/2013 (incl. modifications)

Contact us to learn more about upgrading your radio communication equipment