BSNL launches Nova Net PC in Bihar

With a view to expand the usage of internet among the people particularly in rural areas, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched a multi-featured computing service Nova net PC bundled with broadband over landline for both urban and rural areas in Bihar.

"BSNL has been constantly striving to have broadband penetration in the country especially in rural areas. With our huge connectivity and infrastructure, BSNL hopes to give a new wind to the computing and broadband revolution in the country, Chief General Manager, Bihar Telecom Circle S C Mishra said.

The Nova net PC, launched in association with Noavtium Solution Private Limited, can be used for both internet access and computing applications at economical prices, Mishra said.

In urban areas, Nova Net PC would be delivered to the users against a one-time payment of Rs 2,999 and tax, the BSNL chief GM said.

However, in rural areas, the system would be made available to the broadband users under USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) scheme which means that rural users would have to pay a secuirty deposit of Rs 1900 which was refundable if the facility was used for three years continuously, Mishra said.

The rural users, if they opted for Nova Net PC, would be provided with CRT Monitor, Modem, Keyboard and Mouse free of cost, he said.

The idea behind this shceme was to take broadband to the rural areas whcih was possible only by bundling it with the landline connections, Mishra said.

He said that the state has 38,000 broadband users till date and it (BSNL) has set a target to add 80,000 new subscriber by the end of the financial year 2009-10 with this launch.

The telecom department has also introduced two monthly rental plans for the broadband users in rural areas under USOF scheme.

The first one was of Rs 99 under which the users would be given 400 MB free download/upload whereas second monthly plan of Rs 150 provided 1GB free usage.link