ePCOs to close digital divide in rural Karnataka

ePCOs to close digital divide in rural Karnataka

The ePCOs aim to drive self-employment, bridge the digital divide and increase IT adoption in semi-urban and rural areas

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

BANGALORE, INDIA: Katta Subramanya Naidu, Minister for Information Technology, Karnataka today unveiled the state’s first ePCO, a collaborative effort with Intel, Karnataka PCO Association, BSNL Karnataka, and ItzCash.

R. Ravichandran, director sales, Intel South Asia, said: “India has the opportunity to lead the world in delivering low-cost technology solutions for the masses. The ePCO is an excellent step in making technology more affordable and accessible to a much larger number of people. This initiative is in line with Intel’s objectives in bringing together industry support in accelerating broadband connectivity in the country as an economic growth driver."

“Initiatives like the ePCOs are good examples of private players joining hands to drive technology and employment opportunities in rural Karnataka. We need the Internet and technology to be pervasive across domains and social-strata, in order to sustain and spread economic growth. The government is thankful to all the partners who are coming together to drive this wonderful initiative,” Katta Subramanya Naidu said.

Services offered by ePCOs
The ePCOs, through this program will be able to offer multiple online services to citizens, such as :
* Railway, airline and bus ticket booking
* Utility bill payments (Electricity, Water, Telephone)
* Mobile recharges
* Insurance and banking
* College admission form
* Other online transactions: Cinemas tickets, Dish TV subscriptions, Astrology, Matrimonial, Shopping etc.
* Video communication facilities.

©CIOL Bureau