A global enabler of communications on the go, SES WORLD SKIES has announced Astel has tapped its NSS-6 satellite to deliver the first high-speed mobile broadband and phone services to train passengers traveling the busiest commuter rail in Kazakhstan.

As part of the historic deployment, Astel is utilizing the Middle East beam on SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-6 spacecraft to deliver Internet access, email and VoIP telephony services to National Railway Company passengers traveling the 1,300 kilometer route between Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and its capital, Astana.

Astel has contracted over 100 MHz of transponder capacity with SES WORLD SKIES in a long-term deal to provide VSAT networks and government services in Kazakhstan. Part of that capacity is being used to provide the innovative new service in collaboration with Transtelecom, the service company for Kazakhstan's national railway.

The mobile communications, featuring transmission speeds of up to 2048 Kbps, are being offered free of charge to passengers along the popular rail line. Other rail routes are expected to be added in the near future.

"Our delivery of The National Railway Company's broadband and telephony service marks a significant first in Kazakhstan," said Vladimir Breusov, President of Astel, one of the country's leading telecommunications providers.

"The expertise of SES WORLD SKIES people and the reliability and reach of its satellites have enabled Astel to provide this groundbreaking service that is keeping commuters connected and driving economic growth across the region."

"By delivering connectivity to one of the busiest and longest commuter routes in Kazakhstan, Astel is contributing to the country's business productivity in ways not possible before," said Scott Sprague, Senior Vide President of Global Sales at SES WORLD SKIES.

"We're honored that SES WORLD SKIES knowhow and satellite capacity is making Astel's vision and ambition a historic reality for The National Railway Company and its passengers."