Open tenderClosing in 4 days

Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils

Details

Buyer: Network Rail
Published: 20 August 2026
Submission: 30 September 2026in 4 days
Source: uk:bravosolution

Tender description

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems. FRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects: 1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure 2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network 3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc. Trackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure. Please note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.

Timeline

Completed: Tender published20 August 2026
Current notice
Next: Submission date30 September 2026in 4 days

About the buyer

Network Rail runs a safe, efficient railway, and buys as a central public body split between a national Route Services team and its regional routes. Suppliers must register on BravoNR, Network Rail's procurement portal, before bidding for work. Every prospective supplier also registers on Find a Tender, the Cabinet Office's digital platform. Safety-critical work needs audited status on RISQS, the rail industry's supplier qualification scheme, before Network Rail contracts directly. A contract register lists every national contract and framework, with a contact for each. Network Rail's latest spend reporting covers Control Period 7, the 2024-25 financial year.

Procurement spend from central entities makes up 66% of overall UK public spend.

Over the past 5 years, most of Network Rail's contract awards have been in IT services, architectural and engineering services and construction work.