Objectives

The strategic objective of Multimodal-5G is to transform connectivity across transport and logistics in Greece and Bulgaria by leveraging 5G SA to enable seamless multimodal operations, real-time infrastructure monitoring, and enhanced public safety services. The project addresses critical connectivity gaps in maritime, rail, and urban transport networks, ensuring that passengers, operators, and logistics providers benefit from reliable, high-performance communication services.

Beyond improving transport efficiency, Multimodal-5G supports enhanced passenger experiences, predictive maintenance for infrastructure, and real-time monitoring for emergency response and safety applications. By deploying advanced 5G solutions, integrating edge computing, and optimizing network slicing, the project ensures continuous, high-quality connectivity across transport corridors, fostering economic growth, cross-border collaboration, and the transition toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility ecosystems.

O1. To deploy and optimize 5G Standalone (5G-SA) connectivity infrastructure supporting the multimodal corridor between Greece and Bulgaria, including maritime, rail, and urban transport systems.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• Deployment of 5G SA (700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz) radio network infrastructure, comprising macro/outdoor and indoor small cells (e.g., in train wagons and vessels), towards increased capacity, low latency, increased reliability, and smooth network operation for the targeted use cases.
  • Overall, 300 train wagons will be equipped with 5G connectivity capabilities, involving both passenger and freight wagons. Various train and wagon types will be considered (electric multiple unit (EMU), diesel-hydraulic multiple units, electrified ones, operating as express trains / regional, sub-urban, local, etc.).
  • In the maritime part, Multimodal-5G includes the deployment of new small cells inside vessels, ensuring enhanced 5G SA coverage for maritime connectivity. These DOT systems will be integrated with existing Starlink terminals, enabling seamless broadband services at sea. Additionally, selected land-based base stations will undergo capacity upgrades to improve connectivity for vessels operating in the corridor.
• Uninterrupted 5G SA coverage at the GR-BG CBC (Cross-Border-Corridor) with the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands.
• Integration with Core and Transport infrastructure, enabling real-time data processing and enhanced service delivery for the use cases.
• 5G SA-powered connectivity  with at least 20 Mbps throughput, 20 ms E2E latency and 99% reliability for the envisioned services.
• Detailed performance analysis and measurement data under varying network configurations and load conditions to validate infrastructure readiness.
• Comprehensive documentation and deployment studies describing the technical specifications and configurations of the deployed infrastructure.

O2. To validate the newly deployed infrastructure, via enabling and demonstrating innovative use cases in multimodal logistics, public safety, and transport infrastructure monitoring, leveraging the new 5G-SA infrastructure.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• A fully operational framework supporting advanced services such as multimodal transport management, predictive maintenance for infrastructure, and public safety monitoring.
• Real-time coordination and monitoring of passenger, as well as freight operations across maritime, rail, and urban transport systems.
• 5G-enabled repeater installations inside train wagons to improve connectivity and service continuity along long-distance rail routes.
• Service-level performance assessment and collection of measurement data during pilot deployments to validate use cases.

O3. To create scalable best-practice templates for the deployment of 5G-based multimodal transport systems across Europe.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• A trial methodology and measurement framework to validate 5G connectivity and the performance of selected multimodal use cases through real-world field trials.
• Comprehensive technical documentation detailing network planning, use case implementation, data collection, performance evaluation, and security assessments.
• Best-practice guidelines for the replication of 5G-enabled multimodal transport solutions in other European regions, with a particular focus on optimizing network deployment in moving environments (train wagons, vessels, and urban rail).

O4. To disseminate project results and support the adoption of 5G-enabled multimodal transport solutions.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• Targeted outreach initiatives to engage stakeholders, policymakers, and the public, showcasing the project’s achievements and societal benefits.
• Contributions to standardization activities and 5G corridor communities to align project outcomes with EU priorities and facilitate widespread adoption.
• A roadmap for the commercial exploitation of the 5G-SA-based logistics, safety, and infrastructure monitoring solutions developed during the project, ensuring long-term impact beyond its completion.

O5. To develop viable business models and conduct a techno-economic analysis for sustainable 5G-powered multimodal transport services.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• Techno-economic feasibility assessment to evaluate cost structures, CAPEX/OPEX implications, and ROI expectations for different deployment scenarios.
• Sustainable business models for 5G-enabled multimodal services, covering revenue streams for telecom operators, transport authorities, and logistics service providers.
• Assessment of monetization strategies for enhanced passenger services, including premium connectivity packages for railway and maritime users.
• Evaluation of public-private investment mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the deployed infrastructure.

Engagement with policymakers and regulators to align business models with national and EU-level digitalization and transport funding programs.

O6. To collaborate with relevant Programme Support Actions (PSAs), working groups, and fora of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) to align Multimodal-5G outcomes with EU strategic goals.

Through this objective, Multimodal-5G will deliver:

• Active participation in SNS JU working groups, ensuring the project aligns with EU deployment scenarios, cooperation models, and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaboration with CEF Digital Programme Support Actions (PSAs) to integrate strategic input from relevant working groups and provide feedback for future 5G corridor deployments.
• Contributions to strategic deployment agendas for rail and multimodal transport, supporting the Path to the Digital Decade Policy Programme and enabling replication of the project’s outcomes across Europe.
• Documentation of lessons learned and recommendations for regulatory incentives, cooperation models, and technical deployment scenarios, contributing to the broader EU 5G roadmap.