Gemini to diversify into Internet services

CHENNAI, August 24: Intel Solutions partner, Gemini Communications

Ltd., is planning to diversify into Internet services, starting with

Coimbatore where the company has a strong distribution/reseller network.

Gemini Communications is a network solutions provider and till recently,

was an agent for VSNL's Internet services. The company is also planning to

launch computers under its own brandname. These factors will enable the

company to provide customers a complete package of accessories with the

Internet services.

The company's services would be cheaper by about 20 per cent as it will

offer a total package with the hardware, reports said. By its association

with Intel, Gemini will be able to set up the infrastructure required to

provide the services at very competitive costs. The infrastructure is

expected to cost Rs 60 lakh for Coimbatore city. Despite national players

like Dishnet already operating in Coimbatore, the company is confident of

facing competition as Gemini's feedback from Coimbatore has it that

services provided by existing players are not quite satisfactory.

The company is targeting a customer base of 1,000 in the first year of

operations. They are planning to start with a bandwidth of 256 kbps and

later the company would increase it to 2 Mb, on demand. Gemini is also

planning to undertake direct promotions with customers, though reselling

will be done through its strong reselling network.