State-owned PSU, BSNL and HCL Infosystems announced a collaboration to jointly work towards the National Broadband Penetration Program (NBPP) initiative which aims to accelerate PC & broadband penetration in rural India.

The project aims to make PC terminals more affordable. Furthermore, USOF will be utilised to provide a subsidy of Rs 4,500 per broadband connection. 

“Today, the need to create a progressive environment of growth is more than ever before. Indian economy, in the past few years, has grown but the growth can be accelerated and made more inclusive by providing an impetus to PC & Broadband penetration in rural India. This project for BSNL is in line with our strategy for mass adoption of PC + Broadband to promote India’s GDP growth” said Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd.

For end-users the scheme will be available for upfront payment of Rs. 2,250/- and Rs 300 monthly rental for the PC as well as Rs 99 or Rs 150 per month rental for the broadband plan chosen. The speeds on offer will be 512 kbps.

HCL Touch will provide assistance to the initiative through its IT service and support network spanning across 4000 towns, 14 remote support centers, 505 service offices, 390 ware houses and 150 repair centres.

“This is indeed the one of the major initiatives to bridge the digital divide by offering PC + Broadband at a subsidized rates to our customers. We are delighted to partner with HCL Infosystems for this nation wide program. The missing pie in PC and broadband proliferation was the affordability and service which are now being provided jointly by us and HCL, with support from USOF to increase desirability.” said Mr. Kuldeep Goyal, CMD, BSNL.

Intel South Asia’s Managing Director of the Sales and Marketing Group, R. Sivakumar said, “Intel has been committed to delivering the technology needed to connect Indians to the Internet and enabling them to leverage its unlimited potential. Affordable access to information via broadband internet is the key for India’s competitiveness in today’s global economy. The National Broadband Penetration Program is an excellent step forward and brings access of 21st century learning skills and IT business tools and opportunities to our population base. Intel is pleased to partner with HCL and BSNL on the National Broadband Penetration Program that aims to accelerate PC and broadband penetration.”