News
Issue #2002 - 34 (September 2002)
(Updated Sep. 10, 2002)

APPLICATIONS & DEVELOPMENTS

NRoute Communications to Deploy Wireless Entertainment & Communications Network on Amtrak Keystone Service

Philadelphia, PA, August 28, 2002: Imagine your next rail commute. You sit back, touch an interactive display in front of you and a world of possibilities appears before your eyes. Movies, e-mail, online shopping, it's all right before you for FREE, courtesy of NRoute Communications, a Philadelphia-based media company. The new service, scheduled to debut this Fall on selected trains on Amtrak's New York City to Harrisburg Keystone service, will outfit seats with touch sensitive color displays as part of a first look at a new technology destined to change travel and commuting forever.

The NRoute service uses an ingenious high-speed wireless technology to create a mobile cable system that delivers high-speed, digital access and vehicle tracking capabilities to all modes of mass transportation.

"Think of NRoute as a new media channel for travelers," begins Carlos Garcia, Chairman and CEO of NRoute Communications. "Passengers can tune in for work or play, and advertisers gain access to a highly-affluent, captive audience-all eager to see what's new on the display before them."

The NRoute system uses high-speed wireless communications technology to track and beam digital bandwidth to moving passenger vehicles. It's then received and distributed to each seat, providing complete freedom of choice over what passengers see and do on the touch-screen displays. In that respect, the service is much like interactive TV. The only difference is that it is here and now. 

For carriers, including trains, motor coaches and other forms of ground transportation, the service provides additional operational advantages. The system's built-in Global Positioning Satellite technology allows carriers to track and monitor the precise location of their vehicles and to communicate with them, as well as passengers.

Also supporting the launch of NRoute's service is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT), which help subsidize Amtrak's Keystone service. An early adopter of the concept, PENNDOT officials recognized the implications for promoting such technology development in Pennsylvania and are supporting the company through a research and development grant.

In addition to trains, NRoute is also developing services for the motor coach and airline industries.

"From the beginning, our model was based on providing free service and content to passengers, in order to open this new media channel for advertisers," says Darryl Trent, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Passengers can choose from a library of movies, send and receive e-mails and surf both e-commerce and popular entertainment sites, with plans to include programming from sources such as Scripps Networks, producers of Home and Garden Television, Food Network, DIY - Do It Yourself Network and Fine Living; and Greater Philadelphia Media Radio Group. Our revenue comes from marketers who, for the first time, can now reach this captive, upscale market, while they are in route, hence the name NRoute."

Even more exciting for advertisers is the service's ability to customize advertising according to geography. The system's real-time geo-positioning capabilities allow NRoute to customize messages and advertisements to the exact market the passenger is passing through.

"We see this as a first-ever advertising opportunity for digital video, called 'Geo-Targeted' marketing, that updates in real-time based on a passenger's location," says Trent. "So as a train or bus approaches New York City for instance, local restaurants, hotels, theaters and other local businesses can promote themselves to the precise audience most likely to use their services."

About NRoute Communications, Inc.
NRoute Communications (www.nroute.net) provides communications and entertainment media services to the transportation industry and its passengers. 

For more information: www.nroute.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  This is an interesting application that has the potential of some traction. However, wireless advertising, as a broad media for advertising, is expected to face some tough times. 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.