Ericsson wins Queensland private 5G rail network contract

Ericsson has been selected to supply the private 5G communications platform for the first stage of Queensland's next-generation rail network. The work is part of Stage 1 of The Wave rail programme linking Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Under the contract, Ericsson will work with UGL Transport and Frequentis to deliver a 5G-enabled Digital Radio System for South-East Queensland's rail network. The system is intended to provide the communications foundation for new signalling and train control on the route, with the first operational section planned for the Sunshine Coast line.

The contract was awarded by the Queensland Government as part of a broader transport upgrade that includes four major work packages in Stage 1 of The Wave. The programme focuses on rail and public transport changes aimed at improving connections between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Ericsson will design, supply, integrate, test and commission the private 5G network for Sector 1 North of the South-East Queensland rail network. Its role includes both the radio access network and a geographically redundant 5G core network with associated cloud infrastructure.

The Digital Radio System is due to support the rollout of the European Train Control System Level 2, a digital signalling system being delivered by Alstom. The approach relies on continuous communication between trains and control systems rather than fixed lineside signals alone.

In practice, the communications network will sit beneath rail operations that require constant data exchange across the corridor. The project also includes mission-critical services and interoperability requirements linked to future interfaces between metropolitan rail systems and the national network framework.

Rail upgrade

Queensland's rail modernisation effort has drawn attention because it applies private 5G to a critical public transport network rather than to a factory, port or mine, where such systems have been more commonly discussed in Australia. The deployment marks a notable step in the use of private mobile networks for transport infrastructure carrying passenger services.

The Sunshine Coast line has been identified as a key corridor in the wider network upgrade. Project details indicate the Digital Radio System is expected to be ready to support passenger services ahead of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The network will be deployed using Band n101 in the 1900 MHz spectrum. It has also been designed with a path towards the Future Railway Mobile Communication System, a standard intended to support rail voice, video and data services over time.

This is significant because rail operators globally are moving away from older communications systems as they introduce more digital forms of signalling and control. A private mobile network gives the operator dedicated communications infrastructure for operational traffic rather than relying on public mobile networks.

For Queensland Rail, the immediate significance lies in supporting ETCS Level 2, which enables continuous digital train control. Such systems are generally introduced to improve the management of train movements, reduce reliance on conventional signalling and help increase line capacity.

Consortium roles

UGL Transport is serving as the rail engineering partner in the delivery team, while Frequentis is contributing mission-critical communications expertise. Ericsson's role centres on the 5G platform underpinning the Digital Radio System.

The arrangement reflects the complexity of digital rail projects, which typically combine civil works, telecoms infrastructure, software integration and safety assurance. The communications layer is only one part of the system, but it is central to how digital train control functions in daily operations.

The use of a geographically redundant 5G core network points to the level of resilience required in transport systems, where communications outages can affect service continuity. In rail settings, redundancy and availability are operational necessities rather than optional features.

Private 5G has become a focus for telecoms suppliers seeking work beyond consumer mobile networks, particularly in industrial and public infrastructure settings. Rail is one of the sectors being watched closely because it requires secure, reliable communications across fixed corridors with heavy operational demands.

Australia has seen private wireless projects in sectors such as mining and ports, but passenger rail applications remain relatively limited. The Queensland project therefore offers an example of how the technology is being adapted for metropolitan and regional transport use cases.

Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, said: "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. We are proud to be part of the team delivering this critical infrastructure for Queensland and for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."