The European railway companies jointly decided to build a single radio network that can provide for their entire mobile communication needs. This concerns both data and speech communication. The public networks were unable to meet the demands set for this radio network. A dedicated network would offer more communication options and should rate higher on availability.

This network is GSM for Railways (GSM-R). GSM-R is specifically designed for various railway applications, such as communication between pilot and traffic control, internal train communications for train staff, shunters, and maintenance teams along the track. 

ProRail is responsible for the GSM-R network in the Netherlands. This network has been established over the past years, and since 2003 the entire Dutch railway network has GSM-R radio coverage. In concrete terms this meant the constructing 300 base stations, making adjustments to 13 traffic control posts, and installing special equipment in all railway tunnels.

Over the coming years, a GSM-R network will become operational in many European countries. The Dutch GSM-R network will be connected to these networks, so that the same functionality becomes available everywhere, regardless which country the user or train originates from.