The Cuban government has declared that it has commenced trials to introduce WiFi, movies, music, and mobile device charging services on national trains. This initiative is part of a broader project aimed at "modernizing" the island's railway transportation.
According to the pro-government Facebook page, National Routes, the state-owned company Solintel, S.A., in collaboration with the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) and the Railway Company of Communication Technology, Signaling, Computing, and Electricity (COSIE), has conducted field tests to assess the feasibility of this system.
The government boasts that this initiative seeks to provide onboard Internet connectivity and a local multimedia content service featuring movies, series, music, books, and newspapers without external connection. The project also envisions integration with the train car televisions and a unified audio system to "enhance entertainment" during journeys. This will certainly be beneficial given the frequent delays of Cuban railroads, where passengers are often unsure of their arrival times.
Additionally, the plan includes charging stations for phones and mobile devices, as well as a wireless communication system for the crew using VoIP to improve operational coordination. However, the government has not specified when these "innovations" will be implemented. The same report notes that the project faces "technical and economic challenges," suggesting delays in making it operational.
National Routes preemptively pointed out that importing equipment certified under international railway standards is expensive and must meet requirements for vibration resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, and fire safety. As expected, they also highlighted that the country's financial limitations obstruct the acquisition of technology, particularly from European sources.
The initial tests were conducted on August 7 on a national train, evaluating signal strength, bandwidth, and coverage within the cars. For now, the installation is temporary, focusing on validating technical parameters before finalizing the business model. This model would involve ETECSA as the provider, Solintel as responsible for the infrastructure, and Cuban Railways as the final customer.
While the government presents this announcement as a step towards modernization, the initiative remains in its early stages with no confirmed date for full implementation. It's important to note that while connectivity and "technological advancements" are promised, the quality of services remains a significant concern for Cubans, who frequently criticize their reliability.
FAQs on Cuba's Train Modernization Efforts
What services are planned for Cuban trains?
The Cuban government plans to introduce WiFi, movies, music, and mobile device charging services on national trains as part of an effort to modernize rail transportation.
Why are there delays in implementing these services?
The implementation faces "technical and economic challenges," including the high cost of importing equipment meeting international railway standards and the country's financial limitations.
When were the first tests conducted on Cuban trains?
The initial tests took place on August 7, focusing on signal strength, bandwidth, and coverage within the train cars.