SPANISH national operator Renfe is tendering a contract to supply a new onboard communications system for its high-speed and long-distance trains, incorporating 5G and satellite coverage to provide secure communications for operational as well as passenger connectivity.
The new common platform will be based on the existing PlayRenfe onboard passenger Wi-Fi system, and is expected to improve operational efficiency while reducing costs and enabling the deployment of future onboard technology. Renfe says that the five-year contract to upgrade, maintain and operate onboard hardware and software will involve investment of €49.7m, with a further €35.7m allocated to operating costs.
As well as providing onboard passenger Wi-Fi and entertainment, the new unified system will support passenger information systems, onboard CCTV, remote diagnostics and energy management.
According to Renfe, external connectivity will be significantly improved and capacity for data transmission increased by combining as many communications networks as possible, including LTE, 5G, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. The new system will be ready for the future deployment of 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology, enabling direct satellite communications via mobile networks.
Work will be undertaken on a total of 183 trains, including 26 that are receiving Wi-Fi connectivity for the first time. A specific onboard solution will be designed for each train type, with a pilot project to be developed for each class.
The project also includes a comprehensive upgrade of the current network installed on the high-speed and long-distance fleets, increasing transmission capacity to 10Gbps and incorporating advanced cybersecurity provision. Data traffic will be prioritised according to criticality, with operational applications given priority over passenger entertainment services.
The transition to the new system will be phased in over five years to ensure continuity of service, with the new system gradually replacing existing equipment as the project rollout progresses.
