The `monsoon package' was announced by VSNL chairman and managing directorSK Gupta in Mumbai on Wednesday. VSNL has also announced the introduction ofa free night access scheme. The new intiatives come in the wake of a drasticreduction in Internet tariff by private Internet Service Providers includingSatyam Infoway and Dishnet.

All customers registering for VSNL's Internet services during the offerperiod of June 1 to July 31, 2000 will be able to avail of 50 per centdiscount and the free night access (11 PM to 8 AM) for the duration of theVSNL account which is three years.

To position in the Indian ISP market place, the company is also kicking offa major advertisement campaign shortly. The company is planning to build anew brand - VSNet. The advertisements will showcase the strengths of VSNLInternet facilities and the new prices.

VSNL is giving the benefits of the special monsoon package to its existingcustomers also through the facility of advanced renewal. Customers in anyplan (with hours of usage still remaining in their account) can renew theiraccount prematurely during the offer period.

Upon renewal, their existing hours in the account will be doubled and willbe added to the new plan subscribed. VSNL director (operations) AmitabhKumar said for a 1,000 hour plan for the next three years, the customer hasto pay Rs 4,750 for the TCP/IP dial-up access. For a 100 hour plan, the userhas to cough up Rs 750.

VSNL, which is listing its ADR shares on the New York Stock Exchange withinthe next 4-6 weeks, has also launched its credit card gateway in alliancewith Easy NetCom Pvt Ltd and EVI Company. EVI is the authorised agency toverify online the credit cards of VISA and Master Card.

Customers using credit cards online renewal facility will be connected to asecure server of Easy NetCom and their credit cards will be verified online.The customers will have the option to use their personal key number (KPN) orto use their credit card number directly, VSNL director (finance) RSP Sinhasaid.

VSNL has also announced the commissioning of its WAP gateway (wirelessaccess protocol gateway) and access to Internet services through WAP-enabledcellular phones. Besides, the company unveiled its `crackbloc' services, asecurity feature provided to customers to enable access only from specifiedtelephone numbers.

According to sources, VSNL is in the process of signing a final agreementwith indiainfo.com to pick up a 30 per cent equity stake in the latter. Itis also exploring possibilities to acquire a stake in the Mumbai-basedCheecoo Networks to share infrastructure facilities.