Sutra launches cyber cafe network

BANGALORE: Bangalore-based Sutra Info Solutions, has launched Stura I cafe, a network of cyber cafes. Currently the company has opened 42 sutra centers in Bangalore, two in Udupi, six in Managalore and four in Cochin. According to Ajay Saha, CEO, Sutra Info solutions, the company is evaluating its plans to open similar set-ups in Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. "We will be opening out centers in these cities within the next six months and in the second phase we would look at moving to the northern region," says Saha.

Sutra also has plans to join hands with venture capitalists to magnify their investment in the country.

The current schemes of Sutra i Café, offers a range of pre-paid cards of varying denomination and duration. Users can opt for a one-day trial pack for Rs 15, which gives the user the flexibility to surf at Rs. 1 per hour. The ten-day card, permits seven log-ins and is priced at Rs. 99. The two-month card, permits 15 log-ins and comes with a price tag of Rs 249. The three-month card, priced at Rs 499 permits the subscriber to make 30 log-ins.

According to Sutra, its top-line revenue will come from annual subscribers and it is eying at increasing the number of users in this slab. The annual subscription is priced at Rs. 3500 to Rs 5000 per year. According to the company, the café is open for 15 hours between 9.00 am and 12 midnight.

The company also plans to launch toll free services for its users which enables them to access their mail box through any terminal devices like telephones and mobile handsets.

Sutra also operates a international call Center, both to co-ordinate its own diverse services and also to outsource call center operations for overseas clients. Sutra Info Solutions also plans to foray into the ISP market by 2004.