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Andhra Pradesh plans citizens-government WAN

The network is to reach all points of contact between citizens and the government throughout the state by 2001.

Randeep Sudan, additional secretary to the chief minister's office said, "We will be setting up a wide area network. It will be wholly set up, owned and

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operated by private parties. The fees that the operator will charge will be on a per transaction basis. However, the government will ensure a certain minimum volume for the operator. The details are being finalised and will be out in a fortnight."

Sudan said, "The first phase will merely cater to the flow of information in the form of data, voice and video within the government offices in the state. The investment will entirely depend on the operators and the equipment that they will use. But it should hover between Rs 100 million and Rs 150 million for this phase.

"It is learnt that the second phase will look at value added network services which will allow the government to offer services to the public and charge a nominal fee for them. When such a service comes up, the revenue will be shared between the government and the operators. Industry sources say that the total investment for such an ambitious plan could be to the tune of Rs 3 billion over three to four years."

While the operators themselves have not been chosen, industry sources say that multiple operators could offer services in different districts within the state. It is believed that Andhra Pradesh Technology Services will be the nodal agency for mediating between the private sector parties and the government.

A strong possibility is that operators will be allowed to use the power grid of Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board.

- Compiled from the Indian media

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