The ePCOs, through this programme, will be able to offer multiple online services to citizens. Some of these are: railway, airline and bus ticket booking; utility bill payments (electricity, water, telephone); mobile recharges; insurance and banking; college admission form; other online transactions: cinemas tickets, Dish TV subscriptions, astrology, matrimonial, shopping etc.; and also video communication facilities.
“India has the opportunity to lead the world in delivering low-cost technology solutions for the masses. The ePCO is an excellent step in making technology more affordable and accessible to a much larger number of people. This initiative is in line with Intel’s objectives in bringing together industry support in accelerating broadband connectivity in the country as an economic growth driver. Intel is pleased to partner with Karnataka PCO Association, BSNL Karnataka, and ItzCash to make this a reality in India,” said R. Ravichandran, director, sales, Intel South Asia.
Speaking on the occasion, Katta Subramanya Naidu said, “Initiatives like the ePCOs are good examples of private players joining hands to drive technology and employment opportunities in rural Karnataka. We need the Internet and technology to be pervasive across domains and social-strata, in order to sustain and spread economic growth. The government is thankful to all the partners who are coming together to drive this wonderful initiative.”
According to T.S.Kuppuswamy, CGM, Karnataka Circle, “BSNL Karnataka Circle has a network of more than 2 lakh PCOs in the Karnataka State. In order to improve the revenue of PCOs, a new initiative is taken i.e by taking a broadband connection in the PCO shoppe, the PCO operator will be using ITZ cash by which they can offer a host of service to citizens in its neighbouring locality such as railway tickets, bus tickets, flight tickets, Internet browsing, checking emails, chatting etc. which will enable the PCO operator to earn more revenue in addition to the normal PCO voice calls.”
ItzCash is a multi-purpose prepaid card and will be the backbone of all Internet-related services offered by the ePCOs. The franchisee will also get a certain percentage on each transaction completed through the ItzCash cards.
“ItzCash has a complete business model to support ePCOs. ItzCash provides a wide range of services which fulfill the end customers' requirement, by its franchisees, enabling the franchisees and PCO owner to earn revenue in the process,” said Sudhakar K., VP, sales and distribution, ItzCash Card Ltd. |
