My column this week in Expansion is entitled " Trains and Connections "(pdf), and speaks of the absurd and anachronistic that it still does not offer RENFE AVE WiFi connectivity. Then, the text of the column:
Trains and connections
AVE travel seems to me a delicious experience. For those lucky enough to have their usual routes are covered by high-speed line, arriving just minutes before departure to a generally central station, go up after a bit intrusive control room, or enjoy a spacious seat while using the phone or computer are unique factors against the alternative airline. The AVE is infinitely more comfortable and allows use of time.
However, happiness is not complete. In an environment where open travel with your computer is becoming increasingly common, connectivity is limited to that provided by the "spikes" 3G operators, quality generally unstable: if frequent traveler, ending tunnels and knowing what areas often interrupted the connection. Internet use from the AVE not impossible, but extremely uncomfortable.
The technical complexity of providing wireless connectivity to a train is fully overcome. AVE trains similar to half the world that offer WiFi to its users. Spain is a country with widespread use of internet reasonably high, and more on the user profile of the average AVE. It would certainly be a service that would enjoy popularity: there are only a walk by a car and see how many people keep a computer on. Offer free connectivity would not in that context, especially expensive. Charge a reasonable price would have either a bad acceptance. But still here. Disconnected.
We have a high speed with a remarkably high quality perception: is it acceptable that for a lousy connection at a station has to pay a prohibitive price set by an operator that clearly wants to discourage its use, or in a train of ultra-modern look there is no connectivity? There have been several ads, but without success: what are you waiting to finish RENFE join modernity?
