HCL InfiNet, Indiatimes launch Valufone

NEW DELHI: HCL InfiNet and Indiatimes have launched a co-branded premium

Internet telephony calling card, Valufone. The new service is expected to

provide near-toll quality voice to customers since HCL InfiNet claims that it

shall allocate dedicated managed bandwidth for the service. The branded calling

card will be available to customers through the Indiatimes portal (online) and

all its Planet M outlets (offline). The card will be available in denominations

of Rs 100, Rs 250, Rs 500 and Rs 750.

The alliance aims at leveraging Indiatimes’ online brand equity and

comprehensive cross platform media promotion and HCL InfiNet’s extensive

ground distribution network to promote and sell Valufone. Indiatimes will offer

the reach and retail expertise of its various online and offline properties

whereas HCL InfiNet will provide the infrastructure, bandwidth and support to

carry the Internet telephony traffic anywhere across the world.

Speaking about the initiative, HCL InfiNet Ltd., president and CEO, Saurav

Adhikari said, "In this age of alliances and joint ventures it is

imperative for leading ISPs and portals to leverage each others strengths and

offer value to the customers. The move comes in the backdrop of HCL InfiNet

becoming a significant player in the VoIP arena with over 1.5 million

subscribers and Indiatimes emerging as the largest portal in India clocking 750

million page views".

Times Internet Ltd., CEO, Mahendra Swarup said, "With Valufone

Indiatimes will make the world even a smaller place to live in where keeping in

touch with near and dear ones globally will be at the click of a mouse."