PR releases

Thalys selects Nokia Siemens Networks, 21Net and Telenet to implement broadband Internet access on board its high speed trains

by Staff Writer | posted on 07 September 2007

Brussels, September 6th, 2007: Thalys announced today that it has selected a consortium consisting of global communications solutions provider Nokia Siemens Networks, 21NET – the European supplier of broadband Internet based on satellite connectivity and the Belgian broadband cable operator Telenet to become the first international high speed railway company to deliver true broadband Internet access to its passengers. The consortium will combine satellite, GPRS and UMTS technologies with wireless networks similar to WiFi Hotspots to provide a continuous Internet connection on board trains traveling across the borders at the speed of 300 km/h. This will be the world's first international railway company to offer such services.

As part of the initial pilot stage starting this month, some Thalys trains will be equipped with this innovative technology combining a bi-directional satellite-based Internet access with a network of access points available in every Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 carriage. A continuous seamless switchover from GPRS/UMTS to the satellite connectivity will also be implemented in order to maintain Internet access while trains are running through covered areas, such as stations or tunnels. The first Thalys trains equipped with this WiFi innovative technology will run commercially from Autumn 2007.

This system will allow Thalys Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 passengers to experience true Internet broadband connectivity, with high uplink and downlink data rates, and uninterrupted access while traveling at 300 km/h. The service will be similar to Internet access delivered in Internet hotspots available in a growing number of hotels, bars, airports and train stations.

In addition to Internet access, Thalys will also offer to its passengers information on travel destinations and connecting trains as well as entertainment services. This Broadband Internet service will be provided under the name "ThalysNet".

"I am convinced we have chosen the right partners for this large scale project," indicates Jean-Michel Dancoisne, CEO at International Thalys. "Broadband WiFi Internet access is a key event for Thalys and will be the first step of ambitious developments with the objective to reinforce clearly the Thalys position as an innovative company oriented for generating new services for its customers".

Under the terms of a managed services contract, the consortium will supply and install the technology, provide ongoing network operation and take over the maintenance of the network components. It will capitalize upon the complementary partnership between the three companies:

Nokia Siemens Networks is responsible for the entire project management and will supply and install the necessary technology, provide ongoing network operation and take over maintenance of the network components: the on board WLAN solution with connectivity to the network, the management of special leased bandwidth for mobile operators along the train routes, antennas in the train for radio contact.

21Net implements and manages the bi-directional satellite connectivity; the satellite link will be established from a small earth station installed on the train roof, providing true broadband Internet to passengers.

Telenet will operate the commercial Internet services and will offer through its portal rich multimedia content, such as gaming and in a later stage video on demand. Telenet will also provide customer support and will implement roaming agreements to deliver this service to international Thalys travellers.

About Thalys

To date, over 60 million passengers have already been carried between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. Thanks to Thalys, it is even possible to travel without a paper ticket, using the Ticketless service. At the end of 2008, Thalys will take you from Brussels to Amsterdam and from Brussels to Cologne in around one and a half hours. Visit www.thalys.com for details of our offers and those of our partners and to find out about current affairs at Thalys. New: http://thalys.mobi, the site dedicated to mobile Internet users.

Thalys is a product of the SNCB, SNCF, DB AG and NS groups and is member of the CER and Railteam.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of communications services. The company provides a complete, well-balanced product portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure solutions and addresses the growing demand for services with 20,000 service professionals worldwide. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. The company is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.

www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

About 21Net

21Net is European operator specialized in providing true Broadband Internet access to trains based on a bi-directional satellite connectivity. Initially sponsored by the European Space Agency, 21Net was the first provider to technically demonstrate the provisioning of broadband Internet on a high speed train, in 2004.

Since 2004, 21Net has been working closely with leading railway operators RENFE, THALYS and SNCF to develop a solution combining bi-directional satellite communications with terrestrial wireless technologies. Its "Broadband To Trains" system is a robust & technical mature system that applies to the railway standards.

21Net has mastered the use of a unique mobile DVB/RCS modem to share the satellite bandwidth across all the trains of the fleet, allocating bandwidth on demand according to the usage level of the train. With 21Net, Satellite bandwidth scales linearly with Internet use.

www.21net.com