Hughes to set up ICT kiosks in 200 villages

Company aims to generate 12,000 jobs by June 2008.

Hughes Communications Ltd, a provider of broadband satellite networks and services, is planning to set up Information Communication Technology (ICT) kiosks in 200 villages across the state, including 100 each in Nashik and Sangli districts, within the next one or two months. This will generate around 600 jobs.

The company, which presently has 1,000 ICT kiosks across the country, is planning to add 4,000 more ICT kiosks by June 2008 and this, the company claims, will generate 12,000 jobs.

These kiosks aim to bring the benefits of information, communication and technology to villagers through a host of services in regional languages like agri goods prices, mandi rates, weather forecasts and animal husbandry programmes. In addition, the kiosks will also offer other services like online education, Internet access, mobile prepaid top ups or international voice calling.

"Our aim is to reach the benefits of information, communication and technology at grassroots level. Villagers of the state will not only reap the benefits of the services that ICT kiosks provide but also view it as a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity. Initially, we plan to set up ICT kiosks in 200 villages "" 100 each in Nashik and Sangli districts within one or two months. One ICT kiosk is estimated to cost at Rs 1.5 lakh," said Vaibhav Magow, Director, Marketing, Hughes Communications Ltd.

"In order to educate the villagers, the company will identify opinion leaders from each village and will organise 'Gram Baithaks' to demonstrate the services and applications that ICT kiosks can offer. These baithaks will also be aimed at highlighting the business opportunities available to villagers through the Hughes franchise models," Magow added.