The GSM-R System: where

we are and how you can help

us reach our destination
The GSM-R System is a vital part of our 1.86 billion investment
in digital technology. It paves the way for a world-class railway
communications system, including more efficient signalling.
But we need your help to get there.

How it works
Secure, reliable driver-signaller communication

GSM-R mobile
technology Signaller

Driver

The GSM-R System

benefits at a glance
The GSM-R System raises safety, performance and customer experience
standards across the whole UK rail network

Increased safety Improved

performance

Digital future Enhanced passenger

experience

The GSM-R System in numbers

The GSM-R System is already bringing benefits to the industry
and we are making good progress in our efforts to reduce delays

15,000km+ 2,500
GSM-R telecoms
masts

Over 15,000km of railway lines covered

4,056
connected
trains

21,200 drivers and

signallers trained

Room for improvement

The causes of delay incidents are often complex, involving a chain
of causes and effects that are not solely technical

Interference Cab radio fault

Software Infrastructure Registration

Spurious REC call Unknown

We all have a part to play

The GSM-R System matters to every one of us we all have
a vested interest in delivering better performance

Signallers Drivers Delay Attribution

What we Project Artemis

are doing to
improve things Software Development Programme

Infill

BRIC

Help us make things even better

We cant fix what we cant see so please help us make things even better
by reporting any problems and faults related to the GSM-R System

Report any
issues

networkrail.co.uk
Why the
GSM-R System?
The GSM-R System improves safety, performance and customer
experience standards across the whole UK rail network. It also
delivers the foundation for our digitally-enabled future

Increased safety
Direct driver-signaller communications at all times and locations
improves safety for drivers, maintenance teams and passengers

Railway Reduced Cab

Emergency Call maintenance radio

Improved performance
Were improving reliability, punctuality and our ability
to identify and address potential problems faster

Reduced Digital Cab foundation

operating costs railway for ERTMS

Enhanced passenger experience

Passengers in transit and at stations can now be more
fully and speedily informed in the event of delays

Better Up-to-date
communication information

Digital future
Were building a digitally-enabled network that will reduce costs,
increase stakeholder value and meet regulatory obligations

Reduced Improved Greater

delay time diagnostics coverage

networkrail.co.uk
Room for improvement
The GSM-R System comprises a complex combination
of inter-related technology, processes and people.
Were continuously monitoring performance, identifying
issues and making improvements. But we can all do more.

Key areas XX%

Interference
to address
Here are the main reasons why
the GSM-R System is not yet
working as well as it should be. XX%
While we continue to overcome Cab Radio Fault
technical issues, we must also
address problems caused by
human error. Its natural to make
mistakes with new ways of working, XX%
but we all need to make sure we
use the GSM-R System properly.
Software

XX%
Infrastructure

XX%
Registration

XX%
Spurious REC Call

XX% XX% XX%

Behavioural Technical Unknown
issues issues

networkrail.co.uk
The story so far
The GSM-R System is already bringing benefits to the industry
and were making good progress towards reducing delays.

15,000km+ 2,500
of railway lines covered
GSM-R
telecoms
masts

4,056 connected
100%
coverage across
trains the GSM-R
radio network

1,860,000,000 1.86 billion

investment

21,200 drivers and

signallers trained

900
signaller
2
switching
terminals centres

networkrail.co.uk
 What we are doing
to improve things
As well as addressing specific technical issues as they arise and
ensuring we all use the GSM-R System properly, were running
the following initiatives to make things better.

Project Software
Artemis Development
Involving stakeholders from
across the industry, this
Programme
performance improvement This initiative focuses on
programme is focused on increasing reliability by
reducing train delay incidents upgrading the software on the
attributed to the GSM-R System. cab radios to provide the most
Short-term up-to-date functionally.
Medium-term

SDP
Artemis
3.6m
1.5m

BRIC
Infil 40m
X.Xm

Infill
This programme focuses on
strengthening weak coverage
areas with new physical network.
Long-term
BRIC
Lorum vellisi tatioristium nis
destio. Alis dellore ribusam et
la dolupis non nes demquas
et faces. Tibusam, si tem
utem aruptur.
Long-term

Signs of improvement
since January 2014
By working together, were already reducing time-related
delays addressing known technical issues and improving
our understanding of how to use the GSM-R System properly.

X,XXX
XX%
Interference

X,XXX
XX%
Cab Radio Fault

X,XXX
XX%
Software

X,XXX
XX%
Infrastructure

X,XXX
XX%
Registration

X,XXX
XX%
Spurious REC Call

X,XXX
XX%
Unknown

networkrail.co.uk
Drivers
Your role is critical to our success. Heres a quick checklist
to keep you up to speed.

Know the system

User Drivers Handy Software

training handbook reference Delta
How to use guide training
GSM-R

Speak to your local competence

development team, Drivers Trainer
& Drivers Manager

Quick tips
Quick tips

Maximum 2 Registration is
registration important, but dont
attempts hold back your journey

Know your local

Dont register arrangement with
too early the signaller

Check head A single incorrect digit

code is correct has a big impact

Are you
If you cant see it,
looking at the
report it
correct sign?

Blank screen? Follow Bulletin 34 &

38 to get it up and
Dont switch off running quickly

Spurious REC
Report it
calls mistakes
immediately
happen

Handy Release to listen

tip Press to talk

Help us make it better

Report any
issues

networkrail.co.uk
Signallers
Your input is essential to the GSM-R System.
Heres a quick checklist to keep you on track.

Know the system

Refer to the signallers guide
The Rule Book

Quick tips

Own the call

REC Calls
Follow the process

Spurious Shut the call down

REC Calls quickly

Know your local

Dont register
arrangement with
too late
the driver

Any interpose
means failed
Check digits
registration
attempts by drivers

Help us make it better

Report any
issues

networkrail.co.uk
Report issues
Even if you encounter a problem or fault with the GSM-R
System that doesnt cause a delay, we need to know about it.
What we dont know, we cant fix. Whatever the issue,
if somethings not right: report it!

Report any problems

so we can fix them

Who you are What time What journey

Where you are Detail your

problem clearly

Help us reduce
train delays

Provide concise
Drivers
accurate information

Check with the driver

Signallers that you have all the
information you need

Make sure you have

the information to
Route
register the issue on
Controller
Fault Management
System and Trust

networkrail.co.uk