As a first step, IUCI, Chennai chapter is to form a Consortium of Internet Booths in India.

The consortium will work on the following issues:

1. To induce DOT and VSNL to have positive approach towards Internet Booths, as these booths generate more revenue to DOT & VSNL, when compared to general subscribers. More than that, public at large are greatly benefited because of the growth of Internet booths. It is also in tune with the Indian Government’s policy of promoting info-kiosks in taking Internet to the people.

2. To encourage and provide consultancy to DTP centers, STD/ISD Booths, and women entrepreneurs to start new (or act as franchise of) Internet Booths.

3. To move the Government Departments/agencies like DOT, VSNL for subsidised Tariffs for Internet access for booths and Electricity Department for subsidised power tariff.

4. To approach financial Institutions and Banks to render financial assistance to "netrepreneurs" for starting Internet booths.

5. To move the Department of Industries and Commerce to classify Internet Booths as a Small Scale Industry (SSI) to avail various benefits.

6. To encourage entrepreneurs to start Internet booths in major towns of India, as Internet access at local call rates has been implemented by DOT and also more Internet access nodes by VSNL are in the offing.

7. To provide detailed project report for starting an Internet Booth.

8. To interact with prospective and existing Internet booth owners on the following areas:

• Appropriate software and hardware: provide guidance to Internet booth owners to select quality hardware and software thereby avoid loss of quality of service
  
• Suggest and implement uniform tariff in all booths and avoid unhealthy competition.
  
• Conceive and develop new marketing strategies.
  
• Implement Card system for the users to have access to any of the Booths throughout the state.
  
• Introduce new technologies and value added services like e-commerce solutions to Internet Booths and thereby enable small and medium businesses to reap benefits through the Internet Booths, thereby converting the Internet Booths as business centres and not just mere browsing centers.

REGISTRATION :

To avail the above services and to be a part of Kiosk revolution, Internet booth owners and entrepreneurs who are interested in setting up Internet booths are encouraged to register with IUCI, Chennai by filling out an Online form

B.Parameshwar Babu
Secretary, IUCI Chennai Chapter
iucic@pppindia.com