Europe Belguim Thalys announced 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:

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.