From 22 to 25 September, InnoTrans 2026, one of the world’s largest international exhibitions for transport technology, took place in Berlin. This year, the continued digitalisation of railway infrastructure and the transition to next-generation communication systems were among the key trends shaping the industry.
The anniversary edition of InnoTrans 2026, marking 30 years since the first exhibition, brought together 3,190 exhibitors from 59 countries and around 175,000 trade visitors. The event also featured 180 world premieres.
This year’s major themes included the digitalisation and automation of rail transport, the application of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advances in rolling stock, and technologies for creating a more connected transport infrastructure.
FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) is set to become the next generation of mobile communications for railways, providing the technological foundation for modern broadband and mission-critical services.
At the exhibition, Kontron presented its comprehensive Evolution to FRMCS approach, focused not only on introducing new technologies but also on ensuring a smooth transition from existing railway communication systems to next-generation infrastructure.
The key principles of this transition are interoperability, migration and continuity — ensuring interoperability between existing and next-generation systems, enabling gradual modernisation, and maintaining the continuity of mission-critical services.
At InnoTrans 2026, Kontron showcased a comprehensive portfolio of technologies covering different layers of the future FRMCS infrastructure.
Private 4G/5G Networks — private mobile networks designed to provide reliable and controlled communications for transport infrastructure.
5G Core for FRMCS — a next-generation network core providing the foundation for the future FRMCS architecture.
MCx (Mission Critical Services) — mission-critical voice, video and data services designed to support operational communications among personnel.
Next-Generation Radio Access Network (RAN) — solutions for developing modern radio access infrastructure and enabling the transition to broadband communications.
Next-Generation Dispatching — a modern approach to dispatch communications and operational management, designed to become part of the railway’s new digital ecosystem.
Traffic Management Centre and Network Operations Centre — solutions for the centralised control of transport operations and the management of telecommunications infrastructure.
Kontron’s approach to FRMCS therefore goes beyond a single product. It encompasses a complete technology chain — from network infrastructure and radio access to mission-critical services, dispatching and centralised management.
For Ukraine, the modernisation of railway communications is particularly important. It is not only about introducing new technologies but also about strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure and supporting its further technological integration with the European transport system.
At the same time, the transition to next-generation communications cannot take place overnight. This is why Kontron’s principle of gradual migration is particularly relevant: developing new infrastructure alongside existing systems while ensuring interoperability throughout the transition period.
This approach enables the phased introduction of private 4G/5G networks, MCx services, modern dispatching solutions and other components of the future FRMCS architecture.
ISTEL 3000 is the sole officially authorised partner of Kontron (TM Iskratel) in Ukraine, providing Ukrainian customers with the implementation, modernisation and technical support of the manufacturer’s telecommunications solutions.
The results of InnoTrans 2026 demonstrate a clear direction for the industry: railway communications are evolving from separate technological systems towards an integrated digital ecosystem in which networks, mission-critical services, dispatching and management operate as an integrated whole. For Ukraine, taking this transition into account today is an important part of planning the future modernisation of its railway telecommunications infrastructure.
Sincerely,
The ISTEL 3000 Team
