Switzerland – Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment – FRMCS Transport

The SBB has operated the 2G-based railway mobile radio system GSM-R as the system leader for the Swiss standard-gauge railways («GSM-R CH») for over 20 years. More than 80% of the SBB route network and important routes of the interoperable standard-gauge network of other standard-gauge railways are equipped with their own GSM-R coverage «GSM-R Native». Around 1400 antenna sites and numerous tunnel radio systems are used for this purpose, which enable the use of GSM-R in tunnels. To provide a highly available railway mobile radio system in the coming decades, GSM-R is to be replaced by the new railway mobile radio system FRMCS based on 5G technology. The network-side provision (transport and service stratum as well as necessary subsystems) is to be completed by the end of 2035. With the planned selective tender with dialogue, SBB AG intends to procure components, equipment and services for the provision and operation of a network-side FRMCS Transport Stratum. The procurement item «Transport Stratum» essentially includes the following components, systems and services: * A georedundant 5G Standalone core network (Core) including project management, design, installation, configuration, integration, documentation, testing and commissioning. * The Radio Access Network (RAN) consisting of Baseband Units (CU/DU) and Radio Units (RRU) including services for rollout. * The necessary provisioning/configuration systems (Element Manager for Fulfillment, Orchestration, Assurance, Charging & Billing, etc.). * Test and integration platforms for Core and RAN. * Integration and validation of the delivered systems and platforms * Lifecycle and 3rd Level Support (long-term, lifecycle until at least 2055). Services to support operation in the ramp-up phase, e.g. on test tracks. * Integration services (interface definitions, cooperation obligations) for connecting the systems and components supplied by the supplier to further systems of the SBB and third parties. The cooperation obligation for integration services generally also applies after the initial rollout during the lifecycle phase. Up to 3 suppliers who meet the mandatory eligibility criteria and achieve the highest score in the evaluated eligibility criteria will be invited to a second phase for dialogue and the parallel implementation of a field PoC (Proof of Concepts). Participation in the PoC is mandatory for all selected suppliers. The PoC is scheduled to take place from 01.01.2027 to 31.12.27. A total of 18 antenna sites with FRMCS 1900 RRU must be provided by the supplier for the track tests. The supplier will install these at the base of the mast itself for the field test. The SBB will support the installation (e.g. carry out necessary patching) and ensure that the requirements regarding work near the track are met. In addition, CU/DU components are to be installed in three "Baseband Hotels" and connected to a 5G SA Core.