Smart Mobile Labs (SML), a company under Boldyn Networks, has signed a major agreement with Deutsche Bahn AG, Germany’s national railway operator, to develop and implement 5G campus networks. The partnership, valued in the tens of millions of euros, will see SML deliver end-to-end solutions for Deutsche Bahn’s digital transformation and automation goals across various facilities.
The framework agreement positions SML as the primary partner for all Deutsche Bahn subsidiaries involved in the project, which includes planning, delivery, construction, and operation of the 5G networks. These networks will use ‘local spectrum’—radio frequencies in the 3.7 GHz to 3.8 GHz range—available through the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) at a nominal license fee. This approach enables the deployment of secure, non-public 5G campus networks tailored specifically to industrial needs.
The 5G campus networks will be primarily implemented in Deutsche Bahn’s maintenance depots, train formation facilities, and transshipment centres, marking a key step in the company’s strategy to digitise and automate its operations. The aim is to boost operational efficiency, enhance communications, and pave the way for more advanced systems that will underpin future railway technologies.
SML has developed two bespoke system solutions for Deutsche Bahn, designed to meet the unique needs of the railway operator’s operations. These solutions will be built exclusively on a 5G standalone architecture, a cutting-edge network model that enables advanced features such as eSIM profiles, network slicing, and 5G RedCap. These capabilities are crucial for the industrial environment, ensuring high levels of security, scalability, and performance for Deutsche Bahn’s operations.
The implementation of these 5G systems is seen as a cornerstone of Deutsche Bahn’s long-term strategy for digitalisation and automation within its facilities. By leveraging the power of 5G, the railway company will be able to optimise everything from logistics to fleet management, enhancing both the speed and efficiency of operations. This next-generation network is expected to play a crucial role in enabling automation, real-time data collection, and more efficient predictive maintenance across the organisation.
SML’s partnership with Deutsche Bahn also includes collaboration with STF Gruppe GmbH for the provision of certain services, further strengthening the technical expertise and support available to the project.
As the railway industry continues to embrace digital transformation, the introduction of 5G campus networks is poised to revolutionise operations. For Deutsche Bahn, this agreement marks an important step towards future-proofing its infrastructure and positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the transport sector.
In summary, the collaboration between Smart Mobile Labs and Deutsche Bahn is set to bring significant advancements to Germany’s railway sector, enabling smarter, more efficient operations through the deployment of advanced 5G technology tailored to the needs of the transport and logistics industries.
