GSM-R is a 4MHz frequency bandwidth for uplink and downlink GSM (900 MHz) radio communications specific to the railway industry. It provides interoperability between railway networks, higher efficiency, lower operating costs and high availability. The EIRENE and MORANE projects were set up to specify, develop, test and validate prototypes of the new radio system. The applications identified by the EIRENE/MORANE projects include:

	Controller-Driver Operational Communications
	Automatic Train Control
	Shunting
	Remote Control
	Emergency Area Broadcast
	Train Support Communications
	Local Communications at Stations and Depots
	Passenger services

The benefits to the railway operators include interoperability, increased operational efficiency and reduced operational costs. GSM-R has already been chosen in Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and UK on the West Coast Main Line.