Gujarat becomes first state to have video phone service in place

Sam Pitroda, advisor to prime minister on infrastructure, innovation and information, unveiled the 'video phone' services in Gujarat for commercial use. The service, which was initially launched in the state on a pilot project basis for about six months, has now been formally launched on a commercial basis from Friday onwards. It is being launched by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in association with Sai Info Systems India Limited (SIS).

With this roll out, Gujarat has become the first state to have the new age communication tool in place. The service will allow people to make 'video calls' within the country and abroad, at an affordable rate of Rs 2 per minute.

Launching the service, Pitroda, said that broadband connectivity is beneficial in many ways and can contribute a lot towards economic and social development. "At present, the number of broadband connection is less than10 million, but services like video telephony is bound to generate fresh demand for the broadband service," he said.