“PlayRenfe is more than just WiFi, and it responds to the digital transformation and innovation strategy that Renfe offers its AVE service customers through a new WiFi connectivity window that also includes exclusive content for each type of traveler and new services,” the minister said.
 
The new PlayRenfe service will launch on December 5th on AVE high-speed trains between Madrid and Seville. From tomorrow until that date, Renfe customers can enjoy the beta version of this new service on trains equipped with the new system. During this period, Renfe aims to gather feedback from its customers on the platform's user experience.
 
The project was awarded to Telefónica through a competitive bidding process in November 2015. This project involves considerable technical complexity and represents a new milestone in the history of high-speed rail in Spain. It is a benchmark in the global rail sector by pioneering connectivity during the journey, as well as a content and services platform that includes live TV broadcasting, unique worldwide.
 
A pioneering technological challenge
 
PlayRenfe (More than WiFi) includes, on the one hand, the supply, installation and maintenance of a comprehensive WiFi system on board the entire fleet of AVE trains and, on the other hand, the deployment of a network to provide coverage to more than 1,600 km of high-speed lines, including 75 tunnels and 540 LTE coverage sites in a combined and specific 800 and 1800 Mhz network combined with a satellite solution.
 
Renfe, Telefónica, and the manufacturers of the current AVE fleet (Alstom, Talgo, and Siemens) are working together to integrate this equipment along the 200 meters of a train, ensuring compatibility with the rest of the mechanical and electronic equipment. In addition to external connectivity elements (4G-LTE and satellite antenna), routers, servers, access points, and one or two internal antennas per car are being installed.
 
The process starts with an engineering project for the design and installation of equipment followed by the development of a prototype per series (four AVE series), a modification file per series and approval by the manufacturer, Renfe and finally by the Spanish Railway Safety Agency (Ministry of Public Works).
 
In short, installing these WiFi networks on high-speed trains is possible thanks to a technologically innovative infrastructure of hardware, software and communications both inside and outside the trains, and a rigorous homologation process.
 
Following the installation on the Alstom and Talgo trains that run on the Madrid-Seville line, the rollout of the service on the rest of the AVE lines will be implemented throughout next year.
 
Renfe thus seeks to celebrate the 25th anniversary of high speed in Spain, scheduled for April 2017, by adding a new value to the unique and differentiated travel experience in the market.
 
More than just Wi-Fi: exclusive content
 
The new PlayRenfe service aims to offer added value to the onboard Wi-Fi connection, long requested by travelers, with a comprehensive content offering from Telefónica. This includes the latest film releases, series, music, and books, and for the first time, the option to watch live events while traveling at 300 km/h. It is an on-demand, personalized service designed for all types of customers (family, leisure, business, etc.)
 
Renfe also incorporates access to the rest of its digital services, such as timetable and ticket information, Renfe Viajes (the new line of tourist services associated with train travel), the +Renfe loyalty program, and useful information on any aspect of travel. Renfe also offers this new platform as a new marketplace for customer relations.
 
PlayRenfe will be provided on the customer's personal device, whether it is a smartphone or tablet (via an app) or a laptop (via the portal www.playrenfe.com) and will be a dynamic service that will continuously adapt to the needs of each customer.

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