Kazakhstan Rail Users to Get Free Wi-Fi Service

­Kazakhstan railways are to offer free Wi-Fi services on commuter routes after signing a backhaul contract with satellite operator, SES World Skies. Local telecoms provider, 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.

The service covers the 1,300 kilometer route between Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and its capital, Astana.

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. "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."

Posted to the site on 26th November 2009