Tata Communications Internet Services' latest launch Tata Indicom Extra is strikingly similar to what Sify started in 2007 with ePort Express and Sify Broadband VAS. It offered e-learning courses, ticket booking, bill payment, mobile recharge and e-commerce transactions in addition to Internet access, browsing, chat, email and gaming. The difference is, Tata Indicom did not go about putting up kiosks to offer connectivity, and instead offers Wi-Fi hotspots in India and overseas. Tata Extra does two things: a) it aggregates a slew of popular online services and b) offers Internet access options. These can be paid for using prepaid cards which you buy online using either net banking, Paymate or a credit card gateway. Target User: Newbie The idea of collating a bunch of online services such as cooking sites, essential software, online courses and games etc and enabling Internet users to access them through a single portal makes sense - especially for those who are new to the Internet and want to avoid searching. It even allows them to rent Internet access at Tata Indicom WiFi hotspots to gain access to the net. Access Tata Indicom's sharing agreement with iPass, an international network aggregator will allow them to latch onto Internet connections in 433 airports, 100,000 partner Wi-Fi hotspots and 22,000 hotels and conference venues in 70 countries. Such a service will be the Internet equivalent of calling cards - you can use the prepaid card to buy Internet access overseas, connect and browse for cheaper rates and recharge…
