Hughes, Comat partner to provide broadband services through kiosks

New Delhi, Feb 5 (UNI) Hughes India today said it has partnered Comat Technologies to supply 10,000 broadband satellite terminals, along with HughesNet satellite services and applications at rural business centers across the country.

''We have signed a contract with Comat Technologies to supply 10,000 broadband satellite terminals, together with the nationwide HughesNet satellite services and applications to be delivered at rural business centers across India,'' a company statememnt said.

''Having strong experience in delivering e-governance solutions and services in partnership with various states, Comat has established a unique blend of content and delivery that has allowed the concept of a community services center (CSC) to be become a reality. Together with Hughes, the company is now gearing up to deploy these CSC's throughout India's rural regions,'' said Comat President Sriram Raghavan.

''This agreement demonstrates our collective ability to close the so-called digital divide in rural India, combining our advanced equipment technology. Customers everywhere will soon enjoy high-speed internet access, and a growing range of e-governance and other value-added applications such as distance learning on an affordable, pay as you go basis,'' said Hughes President and CEO Pradman Kaul.

The consortium has won rights to roll out kiosks in Sikkim, Tripura and various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Uttaranchal through a competitive bidding process for the Indian government's Community Services Centers.

''Two thousand of the 10,000 terminals have already been delivered, and we are working closely with Comat to ensure smooth deployment of the HughesNet Fusion Services at these rural centres in the five states,'' Hughes India President and CEO Pranav Roach said.

UNI SR PJ HT1822