The online package comes with a CD which contains a free version of licensed value added software worth Rs 4,000. The software includes eSafe, ViaGrafix, multimedia Internet training programme, Acrobat Reader and Internet Explorer. The eSafe software will check viruses on-line and enable a customer to block sites he does not want to see. A customised dialer programme will enable the user to register his access account, create his e-mail account on-line and even post his own home page.

A 500-hour package will cost Rs 9,900 inclusive of a one time registration fee. The 100 hour package is priced at Rs 3,900. "At present 400 nodes are dedicated for Mumbai," Satyam Infoway managing director R Ramaraj said. Satyam will provide E-commerce solutions based on Intel architecture tolarge corporates. "Corporate requirements are different since they want multiple E-mails, powerful backbone, etc," Ramaraj said. "Through our tie-up, we are providing a one point solution," Intel general manager (marketing) Kanwaljit Singh said.

Satyam and Intel will organise a series of seminars and road shows on E-commerce to evangalise this facility. It is offering its Internet services using a 2 mbps backbone network, the bandwidth used to link cities.

The company has set up a distribution network of 200 sales partners and will make available the package in over 150 retails outlets for the moment. The services are available in Ahmedabad and Pune. The company will also provide a 24-hour call support centre to assist subscribers. Satyam Online also allows users to purchase through the net using credit cards.

According to Ramaraj, the high infrastructure cost will keep the tariff structure high for the time being. "I don't see any sustainable drop in package prices," he said. The prices could howeverdrop once competition intensifies.

Satyam will provide Satyam Access Points, browsing and E-mail centres on the lines of STD booths. For people travelling abroad, Satyam has an arrangement with an international company to provide roaming facilities in almost 150 countries.

Actor and Internet Users Club of India president Shammi Kapoor presented the first Satyam Online account to National Stock Exchange managing director RH Patil.