THE HAGUE, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A global enabler of communications on the go, SES WORLD SKIES, a division of SES S.A. (Paris:SESG)(LUxX:SESG), today 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.”

About NSS-6

Launched in December 2002 and located at 95° East, NSS-6 supports key telecom infrastructure and broadband networks across the Middle East and Asia. The high-performance Ku-band satellite delivers everything from DTH to VSAT network connectivity.

About Astel

Founded in 1993, Astel is a leading telecommunications provider in Kazakhstan, building corporate data and voice transmission networks. Astel offers a wide range of high-quality services to its customers, including satellite telecommunications and wireless access, broadcasting and telephony, Internet access and VSAT networks.

About SES WORLD SKIES

SES WORLD SKIES is the new global division of SES, created through the combination of the former SES NEW SKIES and SES AMERICOM. The company operates a fleet of 25 satellites - part of the 40 spacecraft of the SES group - delivering services as diverse as television distribution and broadcast, internet access, data transmission and business and government communications to customers worldwide. SES WORLD SKIES currently has five additional satellites under construction. The company’s unique customer-focused approach allows it to offer the best satellite solutions for a host of business and government requirements, with a view toward helping customers meet their short-term challenges and realize their longer-term goals. SES WORLD SKIES comprises a world-class team of customer care and technical professionals located in Princeton (NJ), The Hague, Washington D.C., Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra and Johannesburg. Visit www.ses.com for more information.

About SES

SES (Paris:SESG)(LUxX:SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES, 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe, and participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 40 satellites in 26 orbital locations. For further information: www.ses.com