Lucknow ready to hop with cable Internet

In its bid to provide a better Internet connectivity, MacroMap Satcom pvt Ltd, a Lucknow-based company is all set to become the first ISP in the state to provide Internet connection through cable under the license from the government of India.

"With the help of this connection, one can have 24 hour connectivity similar to that of a cable TV connection. One just has to switch on the computer and it will be connected to the Net anytime and for an unlimited period," said SK Pandey, CEO, MacroMap Satcom pvt Ltd.

The company, which has started with a mere 2 MB bandwidth, has setup its office in Lucknow and is at present providing direct cable connection within the radius of 3-km from its office. "Initially, only 800 connections would be provided and after that we would increase the number of connections," he informed.

The company plans to appoint nodal agents later in different part of the state to expand its services. Cable connection to the nodal agents will be provided through the microwave radio link or direct cable, which would further speed up the surfing speeds. To start with the company is going to appoint 16 nodal agents in the state capital.

At present a Net surfer pays on an average Rs 1,080 per month for surfing the Net for an hour every day and faces a lot of connectivity related problems. However the cable Internet connection is available for an initial and one time activation and installation fee of Rs 3,500 besides a monthly charge of Rs 1100 per computer. The company would provide all the necessary equipment that has to be attached with the computer for the cable connection.

"There is no involvement of telephone lines and this makes it more convenient for the user to opt for this connection. We have invested around Rs 60 lakhs to start the operations of the company," he explained.