Reliance Communications joins hands with Intel for net connectivity

Both companies to help accelerate internet penetration in tier II, III cities in state

Reliance Communications has entered into an alliance with Intel to jointly offer instant and uninterrupted Internet connectivity with Intel-powered PCs being sold in tier-II and tier-III cities and towns of Karnataka.

The service will be rolled out nationally within the next two months.

Under the programme users purchasing Intel-powered PCs from genuine Intel dealers (GIDs) across 11 tier-II and tier-III cities of the state will be offered Reliance wireless products for Internet connectivity.

Said Inder Bajaj, head - post-paid business, Reliance Communications, "Internet connectivity in India, especially in the B class and C class towns, has lagged behind due to the poor quality networks and high access costs. CDMA wireless connectivity will now bridge both "" the access and cost gaps "" and revolutionise Internet usage."

The users can download data at a maximum speed of 144 kbps. Reliance mobile handsets can also be used as wireless modems to connect to the Internet from personal computers, laptops or hand-held devices. This is possible even on the move, he told reporters here on Tuesday.

Reliance Communications has enrolled GIDs as 'point of sale' dealers across 11 cities of Karnataka to market the new offering. These dealers sell branded and assembled PCs/laptops using Intel products and platforms.

Added John McClure, managing director, sales and marketing, Intel (South Asia), "Our collaboration with Reliance will enable uninterrupted high speed Internet connectivity at affordable rates through our wide channel partner network. The initiative is another step in Intel's World Ahead programme."