VIAVI Embarks on Europe's Railway Communication Overhaul with MORANE-2

2025-05-07 wireless

Berlin, Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
VIAVI is leading Europe’s railway communication update through the MORANE-2 initiative, advancing reliability with new technology, impacting railway efficiency until 2027.

Strategic Implementation and Timeline

VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV), currently valued at 2.01 billion [4], is spearheading a transformative initiative in European railway communications through the MORANE-2 project. The initiative spans 34 months, running from 2024 through 2027, with the explicit goal of testing Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) specifications in real-world conditions [1]. This strategic modernization comes at a crucial time, as the current Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) is scheduled for phase-out by 2030 [2].

Technical Infrastructure and Testing

The modernization effort leverages VIAVI’s specialized solutions, including EVOIA Drive Test for network deployment and EVOIA Assure for comprehensive monitoring of FRMCS prototypes [1][2]. This technological implementation is supported by VIAVI’s robust operational capacity, with the company maintaining a workforce of 3,600 employees as of June 2024 [5]. The project’s scope includes integration with the European Train Control System (ECTS) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO), ensuring comprehensive coverage of critical railway operations [1].

Collaborative Framework and Industry Impact

The MORANE-2 project represents a collaborative European initiative, jointly funded by Europe’s Rail (EU-RAIL) and the European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertakings [1]. As a member of UNIFE (Union des Industries Ferroviaires Européennes) [1], VIAVI’s participation underscores the industry-wide commitment to establishing standardized Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) across European railway systems [2].

Future Developments and Industry Events

VIAVI is maintaining momentum through a series of strategic industry engagements. The company has scheduled its annual Railway User Group in Stockholm for June 3-5, 2025, followed by participation in the TCCA Critical Communications World 2025 in Belgium from June 17-19, 2025 [1][2]. These events will provide crucial platforms for showcasing the progress of FRMCS implementation and gathering industry feedback [alert! ‘Future events subject to schedule changes’].

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railway communication modernization