Get connected, in a flash

By T. Lalith Singh

HYDERABAD, JULY 13. An advanced version of Internet access technology that provides high speed digital connectivity without a telephone connection or a modem has been introduced in the city. Called the asymmetric digital subscriber loop (ADSL), the new technology from Online Media Solutions ensures uninterrupted browsing and faster downloads at a fraction of cost of the conventional dial-up system.

According to Mr. S.Y. Sree Kumar, Managing Director, Online Media Solutions, ADSL uses the existing copper phone lines of the Telecom Department to provide high speed data connection for Internet access. It is also positioned as a service that is faster and more advanced than the access planned through optic fibre. Being made available through the vast network of cable television operators, ADSL overcomes the constraints of dial-up services and offers several value-added services in broadband.

"Unlike the dial-ups which suffer for want of speed, the new technology comes with high speed and has broadband features such as Net meeting and video conferencing," Mr. Sree Kumar said. The streaming of video and audio is almost in real time and gives an impression of chatting with someone seated just in front of the user. Getting connected is easier what with the local cables offering to provide the service. "The cable operators have a router and the subscriber's system is connected to this and the user can start accessing the Net for 24 hours a day," he explained. Each router with the cable operator can provide 256 independent connections without interfering with others.

No frustrating wait as in connecting with the dial-up, since the Net is readily available. Just log onto the system and start browsing, mailing or chatting. In fact, a subscriber can keep the system running round-the-clock, as he is rid of the worries of escalating telephone bills, Mr. Sree Kumar explained. The Internet connectivity with telephone presently costs around Rs. 20 per each hour apart from ISP charges.

"Our service comes at about Re. 1 per hour and that too while keeping telephone free," said Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, Executive Director. The Online Media Solutions is offering an unlimited browsing facility with ADSL at Rs. 1,000 per month and Rs. 9,000 per annum. Other packages such as limited hours of 100 hours and 500 hours at still cheaper prices are also planned in next few months.

Mr. Rao claimed that a subscriber base of more than 2,000 users in the city mainly from localities such as Begumpet, Banjara Hills, Basheerbagh, Ameerpet and Somajiguda had already been connected to ADSL. The service was being expanded to encompass the city and suburbs and the entire State in the next six months, Mr. Rao added. The Online Media which has invested Rs. 1.5 crores for the services has come out with an ambitious plan for expansion of its services at an estimated budget of Rs. 10 crores.

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