Spain’s high-speed AVE trains to offer free onboard Wi-Fi internet access
Operator Renfe awards contract to Telefónica, which hopes to start service by end of 2015
Spanish rail operator Renfe is planning to offer passengers free wireless internet access aboard its high-speed AVE trains from the end of this year.
Former state telecommunications company Telefónica beat out rival Vodafone to win the €148.6-million contract to provide the service aboard the trains.
Under the terms of the deal, Wi-Fi will also be available at all main train stations on Renfe’s commuter lines
Under the terms of the 10-year deal, Wi-Fi will also be available at all main train stations on Renfe’s commuter lines, said industry sources.
In a bid to get more of a return on its investment, Renfe is planning to roll out a free basic service covering email and web surfing, and a premium pay service offering greater speeds based on 4G and satellite technology.
Telefónica hopes to start offering onboard Wi-Fi access on its busier lines, such as the Madrid-Barcelona route, by the end of December. The service will gradually extend to all 89 AVE trains over the next two years.
Renfe plans to invest €40 million to install all the necessary equipment, and said it sees the new internet service as a “strategic” move to attract more customers with a view to a future scenario in which Spanish rail travel will be open to competition.
English version by Susana Urra.
