Réseau Ferré de France (RFF), the owner and manager of the French rail network, plans to replace the existing analog radiocommunications network with a new digital network which offers compatibility with other European networks and uses the GSM-R standard. Following a European tender, the Rail Network Management, in charge of the GSM-R project, has decided to appoint SYSTRA to provide assistance to the management of the GSM-R network project.

With a firm phase due to run until the end of 2007 (and conditional phases likely to run on until the end of 2011), this major contract comprises three lots. The first covers the aspects of Standardisation and Institutional Relations. It includes dealings with European institutions on behalf of RFF, and maintaining relations at the highest level with all the European rail networks.

Lots two and three comprise the provision of Technical Expertise for the network and cover all the activities required for the technical and operational implementation of the GSM-R network in France. The aim of these services is to provide RFF with a detailed overview and the technical expertise required for all the components of the GSM-R network such as the Network sub-system (RSS), the Radio sub-system (BSS) and the Transmission sub-system. There is also provision for all the railway operational activities and management of the entire network; this includes the railway telephone system, operations, the operational roadmap to be implemented by the service provider, maintenance operations and agreements for collectivity with neighbouring networks.

The finished network should meet the needs of RFF and guarantee the best possible combination of performance, quality, cost and capacity for expansion.