SingTel ties up with Noida Software

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) has allied with Delhi-based Noida Software Technology Park Ltd (NSTPL) to commence Interactive Distance Learning (IP Learn) from India.

The move is significant as it is SingTel's second venture in India, the earlier one being with Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd (BVTL).

Both companies intend to target the global market with IP Learn, a mode of disseminating information and conducting distant education over internet and satellite, Ankur Jain, managing director, NSTPL, said from New Delhi on Wednesday.

The financial details of the alliance are not available.

SingTel will manage and maintain hardware and satellite transmission systems from Singapore, while NSTPL (a satellite teleport operator) will handle the delivery part from the ground.

The companies have also roped in Nasdaq-listed Arel Communications & Software, as the supplier of video-conferencing, voice and data collaboration and transmission software.

The companies intend to market IP Learn service under the Cosmic Campus brand and broadcast digital audio and video content to remote locations across Asia using ST-1 satellite.

The product is a proposed virtual global university, with lessons to be transmitted from digital libraries to remotest areas across Asia.

According to JK Jain, the NSTPL chairman, the alliance will give the Delhi-based company, a competitive edge in Asia in the area of e-learning content and customised e-learning solutions.

"It will be our endeavour through Cosmic Campus to provide technological and managerial mechanism, entailing the proper utilisation of public funds. The Indian government has made huge budgetary provisions for improving health, education and economic productivity in the country," he said.

Though a strategic alliance, industry sources expect SingTel to invest in the venture, a move, not ruled out by Ankur Jain. "It might happen, we don't know," he said.

SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments around the world. The company has a 30.84 per cent stake in BTVL, owners of the Airtel brand.

The firm, controlled by the Singapore government, has been making investments in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.