Reliance Communication joins Intel to penetrate internet in AP

Hyderabad, Jul 4 (UNI) Reliance Communication today announced a joint programme with Intel to offer 'instant and uninterrupted' internet connectivity with Intel powered PCs being sold in 13 cities and towns of Andhra Pradesh.

Users purchasing systems from Genuine Intel Dealers (GIDS) in these cities and towns will be offered Intel-powered PCs with Reliance wireless products to avail the internet connectivity.

With its Pan-India CDMA 2000 1x network, the company extends internet connectivity on PCs, laptops and other computing devices through the Reliance service platform with a maximum download speed of 144 kbps. Mobile handsets could be used as wireless modems to connect to the internet from personal computers, laptops or hand-held devices.

Stating that internet connectivity in the country especially in the B and C class towns lagged behind due to poor quality networks and high access costs, Reliance Communications (Post-paid business head) Inder Bajaj said CDMA wireless connectivity would now bridge both the access and cost gaps and ''revolutionize'' internet usage.

'With our phase two network expansion underway, Reliance communications services are covering far-flung interiors of India and the tie-up will help boost the rural and small town economy by increasing internet penetration. The agreement with Intel is yet another step forward in Reliance Communications commitment to bring about a digital revolution in India by changing the way Indians communicate, get entertained and do business,'' he said.

Reliance Communications CEO R Balachandran said 'with the coverage of over 400 towns and about 9,700 villages, a powerful tie-up such as this will be a further impetus to rapid growth of internet use in the state.' Reliance Communications has enrolled genuine Intel dealers at 13 cities of Andhra Pradesh to market the new offerings.

UNI DB VR ROY 1939