Thalys to use Nokia Siemens consortium for broadband on high speed trains

Thalys, the European high speed train operator, has selected a consortium to provide wireless broadband Internet access to passengers traveling in Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne by 2008. It will be the first international high speed train to provide this service across European borders.

Thalys announced 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.

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, 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”.