Sify offers online service payment service with BillDesk

New Delhi, Apr 1 (UNI) Consumer internet and enterprise services provider Sify Ltd has tied up with payments service provider BillDesk to provide bill payment services at Sify I-Ways.

This service will enable consumers to pay online utility bills such as landline phone bills, mobile bills, electricity bills, water taxes, gas, insurance, internet, subscription to books and periodicals, and donations.

''The customers no longer need to worry about standing in long queues or using credit cards. This initiative is a step further towards making Sify I-Ways complete e-stores,'' Mr Pijush Kanti Das, President, Access media, Sify Ltd said.

Under the scheme, the customer is required to walk-in to a Sify I-Way with his bill. The cafe host will input the bill and payment details and give the customer an instant receipt confirming the bill payment. He will collect money for the bills payment plus minimal service charges.

The consumers can access to the online service from I-Ways morning to late evenings on all days including Sundays.

This initiative will first be launched in the top seven metros -- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune and later in other cities across India.

BillDesk Director Ajay Kaushal said, ''The reach and network of Sify's I-Ways, combined with BillDesk's domain expertise, is sure to make bill payments less of a chore for people.'' At present the average Indian household in the top 10 cities pays about 42 bills annually, most of it to finance, insurance, telecommunications and utilities companies.

While online bill payment services have been available in the country for over a decade, their use is still limited by lack of awareness on the option, reluctance to use credit cards online or divulge bank information.

UNI