Why Telecoms Matter
In the world of modern railway performance, telecoms are often overlooked. Signals, power and track get most of the attention. But without robust telecoms, even the most advanced rail system would grind to a halt.
Operational telecoms are the invisible threads that tie everything together. From control centre comms and driver announcements to CCTV, Passenger Information Systems and emergency call points, these systems underpin safety, performance and the daily passenger experience.
At Softech Rail, we have delivered telecoms designs for new stations, station upgrades and major line-wide schemes. Our projects have included everything from GSM-R and IP-based PA to help points, CIS, SISS and fibre routing.
What Makes Up a Rail Telecoms System?
Rail telecoms include a range of systems that support operations, safety and passenger service:
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SISS: CCTV, PA, Customer Information Systems and emergency phones
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FTN and IP Networks: The digital backbone for comms and data
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Telephony and Help Points: Direct lines for staff and public safety
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Radio Systems: GSM-R and TETRA for driver and signaller communication
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UPS and Cabinet Design: Ensuring resilience and maintainability
These systems must integrate with signalling, OLE, E&P and station systems — and be designed with both redundancy and user experience in mind.
Common Challenges
Many delays and disruptions have a telecoms origin. From misrouted cables to insufficient fibre capacity, telecoms issues often affect wider systems.
Recorded information
Limited record information on existing assets
copper-based systems
Integration with ageing copper-based systems
Complexities
Complexities of routing in constrained station environments
On new-build stations and enhancements, it’s about:
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Meeting Access for All standards
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Designing modular, futureproofed networks
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Managing multi-disciplinary coordination
In Practice: Softech Case Highlights
North Hertford Station Delivered a full ES4 telecoms design including CCTV, PA, UPS and cabinet layouts. Designed for accessibility under the Access for All programme.
Purfleet Redevelopment Signalling and telecoms design to support a new station, road bridge and urban regeneration. Aligned signalling sighting with new telecoms and SISS assets.
Cumbrian Line UWC Scheme Integrated new UWC phone circuits and upgraded HiPath concentrators. Transitioned from legacy copper to FTN with minimal disruption.
Wimbledon Tramlink Delivered telecoms upgrades alongside signalling to support increased tram frequency. Designed new circuits, cabinets and comms routing to handle operational uplift.
Getting Telecoms Right
Telecoms must be designed for performance and resilience. That means:
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Clear interface with signalling and power
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Forward-looking capacity planning
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Robust UPS provision and cabinet positioning
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Support for future IP-based systems
At Softech Rail, our telecoms engineers work hand in hand with our signalling, PWay and E&P teams to make sure nothing is missed. We know where systems intersect — and how to keep them working.
Final Thought
Operational telecoms are not a nice-to-have. They are critical infrastructure. If your comms go down, your network does too. It is time we treated telecoms as core to rail performance, not just an add-on
Planning a station upgrade or full line telecoms package? Talk to the team via our contact page — or connect with our telecoms design leads for project-specific advice.
