Telefónica, Indra take online video to Spanish trains


Details

Juan Fernandez Gonzalez

| 28 October 2015





Telefónica and Indra have taken the first step in connecting Spain's train network, enabling Wi-Fi, online video and video-on-demand (VOD) services on board.


Following an agreement with the country's public railway company, Renfe, Telefónica is to deploy, through the outsourced Indra, Internet connection on high speed trains (AVE) between Barcelona and Madrid. Wi-Fi services will also be installed in two pilot train stations.

Telefónica will launch a content platform for mobile and connected devices, delivering live TV networks and films and series on demand, as well as e-books, newspapers, games and other entertainment products.

In the deal, Telefónica will receive nearly €150 million from Renfe. The necessary infrastructure will be exclusively built by Indra, which was awarded the €20 million contract by Telefónica.

Once the first phase is complete, the Spanish telco intends to extend the services to the whole high-speed train network, starting in 2017.

The AVE trains already have a linear audiovisual channel which was designed last year by Telson.