RB Rail AS, representing the ministries of the three Baltic countries in the Rail Baltica project, submitted an application for funding under the CEF-Digital programme on 13 February 2025. The funds are needed for the development and construction of railway radio communications compliant with the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) standard, as well as for ensuring 5G coverage along the European transport network (TEN-T).
The application concerns the first stage of the creation of passive infrastructure for the Rail Baltica mainline. The plans include modelling the coverage, designing and constructing 99 radio towers providing communications along 297 km (30% of the route). It is also planned to lay fibre optic lines in Estonia and create local connection points. These measures will enable the implementation of FRMCS, improve the safety and efficiency of rail transport, and expand 5G networks in the region.
According to Marius Narmontas, Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman of the Management Board of RB Rail AS, the project will not only improve the management of Rail Baltica, but will also provide connectivity in areas with low coverage, which will benefit passengers, businesses and local communities. Applications for the CEF-Digital programme are expected to be reviewed in the summer of 2025.