It enables one to access web applications such as Yahoo, Google etc, browse net, watch YouTube, is capable of IPTV, VoIP and also supports regional languages. The box can connect on asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), or Internet or WiMax, or EVDO (Evolution, Data Only or Evolution, Data Optimized).

“Our initial targets will be rural and semi-urban Internet users and then we will move on to urban areas and metros. In the first phase, we will be launching it in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Our focus will be to cater to the Internet usage needs at much lower rates. We have entered into an agreement with BSNL and are in talks with Airtel and Reliance and other ISPs across the country.”

“For the rural mass, it would be the best tool for web-based education in classrooms. eSeva and eGovernment centres can avail them and make use of these application to educate the rural mass. We are in talks with a few NGOs and will finalise with them in the coming weeks."

“Moreover, its usage could give good visibility to the rural mass in terms of international trade and commerce sphere. It could cater to co-operatives’ need of product distribution and can in-turn buck-up electronic commerce as well.”

Bhaskar sounded very optimistic when asked whether the device will gain currency during recession. "Owing to the financial crisis, we had to put off the launch of @Box. (@Box was developed in 2007 and was supposed to be launched in 2008 March). However, I don't think recession will hamper @Box’s penetration. On the contrary, it will only augment it because we are providing a STB at one-third of the cost of a PC, with which one can access web at the leisure of their home," he avers.

“Moreover, we don’t see any competition coming from others. @Box will only further enable the market with its unique features as PC replacer and broadband entertainment provider. The box is also capable of IPTV and VoIP. However, our initial focus is to cater to the Internet needs. As we progress we will solidify our relationship with IPTV providers and customers,” he adds. 

“VoIP standards in India are on par with the International ones. The area of concern is the cost of service. Earlier, consumers had to install a separate box inorder to avail VoIP. Whereas @Box, with an integrated box and VoIP capability, at affordable price, will drive VoIP usage in India. We see a pretty good demand for VoIP and video-on-demand (VoD) services in India. The STB is capable of these services and in the short run we can see a high demand for this device,” Bhaskar notes.

Bhaskar says, “With this device we are completely doing away with the fancy of high bandwidth. It has been tested successfully and satisfactorily at low bandwidth environment. It works well upto 256kbps and is best suited for Indian conditions.”

Hopes apart, facts spell a different story. Unless and until the cost of service and other issues are addressed and sorted out, it will be very difficult for the service providers to gain currency among the majority lot. Moreover, bandwidth is an issue that is still haunting many of the service providers out there. Though India has a long way to go to be on par with the Internet penetration levels of other nations, hopes can be set high for the coming times.