Korea Nears Nationwide LTE-R Rail Network With Final Rollout

12 Lines Including Taebaek Ordered, With Completion Targeted for December 2028

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Published 2026.08.18. 15:08:10

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By Park Hee-yoonhypark@sedaily.com

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National Railway Authority Daejeon Headquarters (right)

DAEJEON — A project to complete South Korea's nationwide railway integrated wireless network (LTE-R) is moving into full swing.

The Korea National Railway (KR) said on the 18th that it has issued a tender for the LTE-R rollout across 12 lines, including the Taebaek Line, the final section of its LTE-R conversion project.

The agency is carrying out the project under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's policy to localize railway signaling and communication systems, replacing the existing wireless systems (VHF and TRS) with an LTE-R network based on fourth-generation LTE mobile technology.

Of the total 3,523 kilometers targeted for LTE-R installation, 794 kilometers on lines such as the Gangneung Line have been completed, while 1,677 kilometers on lines including the Gyeongbu Line are under construction with a target opening at the end of 2026.

The 12 lines, including the Taebaek Line, are targeted for completion at the end of 2028, with total construction spending of 254.3 billion won (about $184 million) — 127.2 billion won across eight communication works contracts and 127.1 billion won across three procurement and installation contracts.

Once LTE-R installation is complete across all national rail lines, real-time video sharing between control centers and field sites will enable rapid situational awareness in emergencies, and the train control data of the Korean Train Control System (KTCS-2) will be handled reliably through LTE-R base stations.

The network will also allow base-station sharing and wireless connectivity with the national disaster safety communication network (PS-LTE) and the maritime wireless communication network (LTE-M), which is expected to help enable faster responses through coordinated cooperation among rail, disaster and maritime communication networks in the event of a disaster.

Lee An-ho, acting chairman of the Korea National Railway, said the agency would "complete South Korea's railway wireless communication system on a digital foundation, securing a stable communication base that supports railway operations and disaster response."