While the switch from analogue to digital telecommunications is in full swing with the roll-out of GSM-R in Europe as one of the key components of ERTMS alongside ETCS, the limitations of GSM-R are already recognised because of the need to transmit ever-increasing amounts of data, and GSM-R as a technology is approaching the end of its life. Mr Jean Cellmer, director of GSM-R with French Rail Network (RFF), summed up the situation as he sees it. "The life-cycle of GSM-R is much shorter that for other railway equipment, but the senior managers of RFF are railway people and do not understand why we have to replace perfectly good equipment. GSM-R will last until 2025 and the suppliers are committed to support GSM-R until then. Voice communication will remain the primary mandatory service, while data communications can be covered with GPRS and Edge."
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