VSNL launches AMD's low-cost Net access device

The Tata-controlled, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) has entered into a strategic alliance with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), to market the latter's Personal Internet Communicator (PIC), a device for managed internet access.

VSNL will be offering the PIC as part of the Tata Indicom Broadband Services.

The PIC runs on a Microsoft Windows-based operating system and is part of AMD's plan to equip half the world's people with Internet connectivity and computing capabilities by 2015.

Shashi Kalathil, head of broadband business, VSNL, said, "We are looking at targeting students and households in India for this product. We are looking to increase the base of our broadband services through this product."

"We hope to eventually offer it for a few 100 rupees to 1,000 rupees per month ... over three years," he said.

"The whole idea is to preclude making a huge upfront payment." AMD said the suggested price for the PIC itself was $185 with a keyboard, mouse and pre-installed software, or $249 including a monitor, but local providers would ultimately set the price.

Gino Giannotti, vice president and general manager, value platforms, AMD, said, "We are looking at Tata to partner with us to realize AMD's vision of connecting 50 per cent of the world's population to the internet by 2015."

While he did not rule out similar tie-ups with other local broadband players, he said, "We would like to see how the product does in India and then take a decision on it."