The Hindu Business Line : Head for Hughes Superstores

"I am logged in, therefore I am," could well be the mantra of our generation. And now residents of B, C and D tier cities too can log in using Hughes Communications' NetFusion initiative.

The network consists of 300 centres in 105 cities, connected via satellite link. The satellite infrastructure was implemented at a cost of Rs 50-60 crore and each centre saw an investment of Rs 6 lakh.

Beginning with e-ticketing, video conferencing and e-learning, Hughes chain of `superstores' will soon offer international calling (using IP telephony or Voice over IP) and online shopping.

Hughes has also announced partnerships with Air Deccan; Microsoft (to roll out 5,000 broadband ICT kiosks); mobile top-ups aggregator Oxigen (for pre-paid recharge and bill payment); and Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (for training and contact programmes)

"Indian users in smaller towns have lesser avenues of entertainment. We hope to offer broadband as a medium to bring fun to them — in the form of Bollywood videos, casual games with Indianised themes and action games," said Mr Vaibhav Magow, Director-Marketing, HughesNet Fusion.

The company is cashing in on the gaming fever at the NetFusion Internet centres. Hoping that gaming will "instil the online habit in people," Hughes is now in talks with international and local publishers to introduce casual and multiplayer games.

"Most gaming cafes buy residential licences and use them instead of the commercial ones. We have initiated talks with game publishers to launch multiplayer gaming legally at our Internet centres," said Mr Magow.