AP Telecom circle introduces video communication facility

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, MARCH 31. Telephones in the State would now not only transmit the voice but also the pictures. The A.P. Telecom circle has now introduced video communication facility through telephones to enable the people to not only talk to their dear ones but also see them at the same time.

Named "Drisya", the facility would be available in 100 centres, including all the district headquarters, to start with and expanded based on the need and success of the programme. The twin cities would have 10 such centres, said Mr. N.V. Rama Rao, Chief General Manager (CGM), A.P. Telecom after inaugurating the facility here on Saturday.

In this facility, the image is captured by a small Web Camera connected to a computer and the video data is sent on a telephone line through 56 KBps modem. However, both the parties need to have similar gadgets and similar software. The software being used by the department is H-324, which is adopted as an international standard.

People who wish to have such a facility at home have to acquire the Web Camera and a special modem and connect to their computer. The gadget would cost Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000. Those who do not have computers can use their television sets, for which they have to buy a set top box that costs anything between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 30,000.

The department, however, is planning to charge only normal telephone rates from the calling party. Though it would be available only at select telegraph offices, subsequently the service would be extended for operation from other STD booths.

In the twin cities, the facility would be available at Central Telegraph Office (CTO), Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Divisional Telecom Offices (DTO) at Charminar, Santoshnagar, Ramanthapur, Trimulgherry, Sainikpuri and customer service centres at Musheerabad and the Begumpet airport.

Internet franchisees

The A.P. Telecom Circle is offering several incentives to encourage internet franchisees at the mandal level.

According to the Chief General Manager, for those interested in setting up internet centres in rural areas, the department would provide telephone connection without rent and installation charges. Centres in rural areas would be given unlimited free internet access while 1500 hours of free internet access would be provided in urban areas.

He said 25 per cent of telephone charges would be paid back to the franchisee as commission and they would be free to decide user charges. Wherever private franchisees fail to come forward, the facility would be housed in the mandal office buildings, using their computer and the manpower.

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Section  : Southern States
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