← Back to search results

planningFind a Tender · planning Update

Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils Request for Information

Buyer: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED →

BuyerNETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
Value£0
Published19 Aug 2026

What is being bought

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems. FRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects: 1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure 2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network 3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc. Trackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure. Please note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.

Delivery location

UK, GB

Categories

Telecommunications facilities 32523000Optical telecommunication cables 32562200Optical-fibre cables for data transmission 32562300Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons 44212200Masts 44212250Radio masts 44212261Lattice masts 44212263Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines 45231000Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines 45232300

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 1 Jan 2030 to 31 Dec 2039
SME suitabilitySuitable for SMEs

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines, Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines, Optical telecommunication cables, Optical-fibre cables for data transmission, Masts, Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons, Lattice masts, Radio masts, Telecommunications facilitiesNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 32. The category anchor is Telecommunications facilities (32523000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 322,0364 median · 34.3 average (746 of 2,036 with a bid count)3.9 average (861 of 2,036 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer3Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Delivery region: UK6075 median · 98.2 average (197 of 607 with a bid count)7.2 average (248 of 607 with named award suppliers)Not published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeutilities
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
To access the background information and instruction document which includes a link to an MS Form to enter your response, please: 1. Follow the link: https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html 2. From the welcome screen, access the "Current Opportunities" link and select "Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils". Login is not required. 3. The document is at the bottom of the page in the attachments section. Deadline for responding is 23:59 on 30th September 2026. Any clarification questions relating to the RFI should be directed to aker.akol2@networkrail.co.ukengagement30 Sept 2026scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc
Latest release ID079220-2026
Latest release timestampWed Aug 19 2026 16:40:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categoryworks
Above thresholdYes
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£0
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
19 Aug 2026planningUpdate079220-2026
19 Aug 2026planningUpdate079188-2026
19 Aug 2026planning079073-2026

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "079220-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-19T17:40:19+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2039-12-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2030-01-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "45232300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "45231000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical telecommunication cables"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical-fibre cables for data transmission"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212250",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212263",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Lattice masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212261",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "32523000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications facilities"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils Request for Information",
    "value": {
      "amount": 0,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 0
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems.\nFRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects:\n1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure\n2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network\n3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc.\nTrackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure.\nPlease note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.",
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Aker Akol",
        "email": "aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079220-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079220-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-19T17:40:19+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "To access the background information and instruction document which includes a link to an MS Form to enter your response, please:\n1. Follow the link: https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html \n2. From the welcome screen, access the \"Current Opportunities\" link and select \"Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils\". Login is not required.\n3. The document is at the bottom of the page in the attachments section.\nDeadline for responding is 23:59 on 30th September 2026.\nAny clarification questions relating to the RFI should be directed  to aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (3 releases)
19 Aug 2026 · 079220-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "079220-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-19T17:40:19+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2039-12-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2030-01-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "45232300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "45231000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical telecommunication cables"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical-fibre cables for data transmission"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212250",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212263",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Lattice masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212261",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "32523000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications facilities"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils Request for Information",
    "value": {
      "amount": 0,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 0
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems.\nFRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects:\n1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure\n2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network\n3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc.\nTrackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure.\nPlease note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.",
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Aker Akol",
        "email": "aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079220-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079220-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-19T17:40:19+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "To access the background information and instruction document which includes a link to an MS Form to enter your response, please:\n1. Follow the link: https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html \n2. From the welcome screen, access the \"Current Opportunities\" link and select \"Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils\". Login is not required.\n3. The document is at the bottom of the page in the attachments section.\nDeadline for responding is 23:59 on 30th September 2026.\nAny clarification questions relating to the RFI should be directed  to aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
19 Aug 2026 · 079188-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "079188-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-19T16:41:15+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2039-12-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2030-01-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "45232300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "45231000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical telecommunication cables"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical-fibre cables for data transmission"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212250",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212263",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Lattice masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212261",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "32523000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications facilities"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils Request for Information",
    "value": {
      "amount": 0,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 0
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems.\nFRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects:\n1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure\n2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network\n3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc.\nTrackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure.\nPlease note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.",
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Aker Akol",
        "email": "aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079188-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079188-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-19T16:41:15+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "To access the background information and instruction document which includes a link to an MS Form to enter your response, please:\n1. Follow the link: https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html \n2. From the welcome screen, access the \"Current Opportunities\" link and select \"Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils\". Login is not required.\n3. The document is at the bottom of the page in the attachments section.\nDeadline for responding is 23:59 on 30th September 2026.\nAny clarification questions relating to the RFI should be directed  to aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
19 Aug 2026 · 079073-2026 · planning
{
  "id": "079073-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-19T14:53:25+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
    "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e7cc",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2039-12-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2030-01-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "45232300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction and ancillary works for telephone and communication lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "45231000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical telecommunication cables"
          },
          {
            "id": "32562300",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Optical-fibre cables for data transmission"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212250",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212200",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Towers, lattice masts, derricks and pylons"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212263",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Lattice masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "44212261",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio masts"
          },
          {
            "id": "32523000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications facilities"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Trackside Civils Request for Information",
    "value": {
      "amount": 0,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 0
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) represents a critical replacement of the current Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system, transitioning the GB rail network to a future-proofed, 5G-enabled communications platform. This migration will strengthen mission-critical voice and data capabilities, whilst supporting existing operational railway systems.\nFRMCS rollout will comprise three core technical aspects:\n1.Trackside civils - potentially 4,000 - 5,000 masts (including some potential re-use of existing GSM-R masts) and associated infrastructure\n2.Train fitment - radio and associated equipment on all trains across the network\n3.FRMCS active network - Core, RAN etc.\nTrackside civils is a critical focus area for FRMCS delivery & Network Rail is therefore issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to engage with the supply chain and inform potential future procurement of FRMCS trackside civils infrastructure.\nPlease note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.",
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
      "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI45",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Aker Akol",
        "email": "aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079073-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079073-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-19T14:53:25+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Suppliers interested in participating should complete and submit the FRMCS RFI questionnaire by the stated response deadline. Any clarification questions relating to the RFI should be directed  to aker.akol2@networkrail.co.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}