5G FRMCS Modem: MORANE 2 Drives European Rail Innovations

Kontron and Qualcomm team up on a 5G FRMCS modem, boosting European railway communications.

5G FRMCS Modem: MORANE 2 Drives European Rail Innovations
September 7, 2025 4:00 pm

Introduction

Kontron AG and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have announced a collaboration to develop a next-generation 5G FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) PC3 modem, as part of the MORANE 2 European railway communications initiative.

New Modem Development

Kontron AG and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. are collaborating on a new 5G FRMCS PC3 modem. This modem is designed for railway operational communications and is adaptable to the needs of rail organizations within Europe and worldwide. The new modem will be based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System.

Technology Integration

Kontron will integrate the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System into a rugged, railway-compliant modem. This modem aims to meet the operational demands of European rail networks. Key features include support for dedicated 5G railway communication frequency bands n100 (900 MHz FDD, BW 5 MHz) and n101 (1900 MHz TDD, BW 10 MHz), along with the public n28 band.

Operational Benefits

The modem is designed to provide secure, high-speed, and resilient connectivity. This connectivity is intended for both operational needs and passenger services. The project is part of the MORANE 2 programme, a European initiative focused on the implementation of FRMCS and the digitalization and harmonization of railway communications across Europe.

Executive Commentary

Hannes Niederhauser, CEO of Kontron AG, stated that the collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies aims to bring the power of 5G to the railway sector and that the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System offers the performance and resilience needed for MORANE 2. Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm Europe, Inc., highlighted this collaboration as an important development in the transformation of European railway systems through enhanced connectivity, emphasizing the exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency of the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System.

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Conclusion

Kontron AG and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. are working together to develop a 5G FRMCS PC3 modem based on the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System. This project is part of the MORANE 2 programme and aims to enhance railway communications across Europe.

Company Summary

Kontron AG: A global provider of IoT and embedded computing technology.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.: A technology company involved in the development of the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System.

Technology

5G FRMCS: (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) is set to become the new 5G standard for railway operational communications.

Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System: A platform known for its performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.