“The kiosks will not only provide a platform for exchange of information and knowledge but also serve as a means to create over 15,000 jobs and opportunities for self-employment,” said Pranav Roach, President and CEO, Hughes Network Systems, India.
Rohit Kumar, Country Head, Public Sector, Microsoft elaborated “Connectivity is a key challenge in the creation of a digitally inclusive society and this partnership is a step towards our aim of providing a holistic ecosystem under Project Saksham at the ground level and enable the rural ecosystem.”
Speaking on the partnership, Tarun Malik, Head, Rural Computing, Microsoft said, “Together we aim to drive technology access at the grass root level so as to ensure socio-economic development of rural communities.”
As part of the project, Hughes will provide a comprehensive business model to enable successful kiosk penetration in rural India offering B2B and B2C services. It would leverage its satellite broadband platform to the remotest pockets of India. Among other services, Hughes would offer various broadband services, Internet access, value-added services, pre-paid top-ups, international voice calling and education services through the Hughes’ Fusion centres.
Microsoft will create an engagement model with kiosks service providers and various governments for delivering e-government and other B2B services. As an effort to impact the sustenance of the kiosk owner, it will also offer a 12-day IT literacy programme for kiosk operators.
Powered by HughesNet satellite broadband network and Microsoft’s platform, the kiosks will be run and managed by local entrepreneurs for providing the content and services to the people that would ensure a sustainable return on investment.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Rohit Kumar
Quelle/Source: Express Computer, 16.10.2006
