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'Enron, Reliance offer to set up digital networks in Andhra Pradesh'

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

Indian and global majors, including Reliance, Enron and Siti Cable, have come forward to participate in establishing high-speed digital networks in Andhra Pradesh.

State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "We are in touch with Reliance, FLAG, and CTR Group for setting up international gateways with landings on the eastern seaboard."

He also announced that the state government planned to set up a separate company for developing a portal for Andhra Pradesh.

"We are looking for partners in the private sector to collaborate on this idea. Companies like iPlanet could have a look at this concept, as it holds great potential for developing into a revenue earning vehicle on the one hand, while delivering much better service to the citizens on the other," he added.

Naidu predicted that Andhra Pradesh would have one of the best telecom networks in this part of the world soon.

The telecom infrastructure in the State has expanded rapidly. The Department of Telecom has set up 20,000 kilometers of fibre optic networks in the state.

He said the state government was keen to use the Internet for e-business activities, delivery of citizens' services and for distance learning.

With more and more infotech, or IT, companies coming to the state, it would be necessary to develop a pool of highly-skilled professionals who can be employed in the IT industry.

"To address this requirement for skilled manpower, we are working out arrangements with internationally reputed universities like Carnegie Mellon, to deliver high-quality courses through the Internet."

"With better connectivity, it should be possible to deliver the best educational content to remote areas through the Internet," he explained.

He said that the state government wanted to provide Internet access right up to the villages. Over the next two years, Internet would be available in the rural areas of the state.

The state government had taken up delivery of services to citizens using the Internet in Hyderabad.

Naidu formally inaugurated the Arnit Infotech Limited's first Indian centre at Hyderabad. He said that iPlanet decided to partner with Arnit Infotech to deliver services to its customers in India and the Asia-Pacific.

"iPlanet is the outcome of a unique collaboration between two giants America Online and Sun Microsystems focussed on providing Internet-based products and services," he noted.

He said that Hyderabad already emerged as one of the most important information technology hubs in this part of the world.

"The Internet today is reshaping every aspect of our lives. Companies like iPlanet and Arnit will have a bright future," he said.

He also noted that these companies focused on the Net would benefit from the opportunity that the IT-enabled services offered to a country like India.

"This is projected to be a $ 1 trillion opportunity for India," he noted.

Business

Andhra Pradesh