LTE-R developed to resolve VHF issues, to be applied to all routes by 2027

The domestic railway communication system, which currently uses voice-oriented communication systems (VHF, TRS), is expected to be transformed into a new railway communication system (LTE-R) developed domestically for the first time in the world by applying LTE, a fourth-generation communication technology capable of high-speed and high-capacity information transmission.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport developed through national R&D ('14. 12.–'17. 10., 16.3 billion won) The verification of the LTE-based railway communication system (hereinafter “LTE-R”) has been completed, and an ‘LTE-R construction plan’ has been established to invest a total of 1.1 trillion won by 2027 to install it on all general and high-speed railway lines.

The railway communication system is a communication system for railway personnel (controllers, engineers, crew members, workers, etc.) to ensure safe and smooth railway operations. Currently, general railways mainly use the VHF communication system (hereinafter “VHF”), which was first introduced in 1969, while high-speed railways have been using the TRS communication system (hereinafter “TRS”), which was introduced from the United States (Motorola) in 2004.

However, since VHF is an analog system, stable communication operations were limited in some sections due to low call quality and dead zones where communication was interrupted. Furthermore, high-speed trains operating on general railway sections had to endure user inconvenience and increased maintenance costs as they used a combination of VHF and TRS.

In order to solve these problems and respond to the demand for advanced and intelligent railway services, we received an integrated public network frequency (700 MHz band) from the Ministry of Science and ICT, developed LTE-R, and completed verification on the Gyeonggang Line (Wonju-Gangneung), and are now actively pursuing expanded installation.

The goal is to build all general and high-speed railway lines with LTE-R by 2027 by investing a total of 1.1 trillion won in new lines opening after 2018 and existing lines due for upgrade.

Through this, the railway communication system will be integrated into LTE-R in the future, facilitating interconnected operations between lines, and an import substitution effect of approximately 150 billion won is expected; furthermore, the disaster safety communication network (PS-LTE, promoted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety) and It is expected to be utilized as a disaster communication network in conjunction with other systems in the event of disasters such as railway accidents.

An official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, “Until now, railway communication systems have remained at a level capable only of voice communication, failing to live up to the reputation of being a telecommunications powerhouse. However, with the establishment of LTE-R, which enables high-speed and high-capacity information transmission, it will be possible to provide advanced services such as wireless-based train control, contributing to improved railway safety and entry into overseas markets.”