The Cuban regime announced that it has started testing to provide WiFi services, movies, music, and mobile device charging on national trains, as part of a project that promises to “modernize” railroad transportation on the Island.
According to the official page Rutas Nacionales on Facebook, the state company Solintel, S.A., along with the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) and the Railway Company of Communication Technology, Signaling, Computing, and Electricity (COSIE), conducted field tests to evaluate the feasibility of the system.
The regime boasted that the initiative aims to provide Internet connectivity on board and a local multimedia content service featuring movies, series, music, books, and newspapers without external connectivity.
According to the note, the project also includes the integration with the television screens in the carriages and a unified audio system to "enhance entertainment" during trips, something that will undoubtedly be useful given the frequent delays of the Cuban railway, where passengers, if they're lucky, know the departure time, but rarely can guess when they'll arrive at their destination.
The plan includes charging stations for phones and mobile devices, as well as a wireless communication system for the crew via VoIP, aimed at improving operational coordination.
Although the regime does not specify when these "novelties" will be implemented, the same note clarifies that the project faces "technical and economic challenges," suggesting that its operation will be delayed.
National Routes emphasized that the importation of equipment certified under international railway standards is costly and requires compliance with standards for vibration resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, and fire safety.
Additionally, as expected, they pointed out that the country's financial limitations hinder the acquisition of technology, primarily of European origin.
The first tests were conducted on August 7th on a national train, evaluating signal strength, bandwidth, and coverage within the carriages.
Currently, the installation is provisional and only seeks to validate technical parameters before defining the business model, which would involve ETECSA as the provider, Solintel as responsible for the infrastructure, and Ferrocarriles de Cuba as the end client.
While the regime presents the announcement as a step towards modernization, the initiative is still in its early stages and lacks a confirmed date for its final implementation.
And of course, one thing is connectivity and other "technological innovations," and a very different matter is the quality of the services that are always at the center of criticism from Cubans.
Frequently asked questions about the modernization of railway transport in Cuba
What new services are planned to be implemented on Cuba's national trains?
The Cuban regime has announced plans to implement WiFi, cinema, music, and mobile device charging services on national trains. This project aims to modernize railway transport on the island, although it faces significant technical and economic challenges.
What are the main challenges for the implementation of WiFi on Cuban trains?
The main challenges include technical obstacles such as dead zones in the railway network and funding issues to acquire the necessary equipment. Additionally, the railway infrastructure in Cuba is deteriorating, which further complicates the implementation of these services.
What is the current state of the railway system in Cuba?
The Cuban railway system is in a critical state, with declining infrastructure, outdated rolling stock, and frequent accidents. Despite promises of modernization, structural problems continue to affect the safety and efficiency of the service.
When is it expected that WiFi and entertainment services will be available on Cuban trains?
There is still no specific date for the implementation of these services. The project is still in the technical testing phase and faces significant financial and technical limitations, which may delay its rollout.
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