Mumbai, Dec 23: The Hinduja group's cable network -- IN Network -- is planning to provide Internet access for its subscribers over its cable network.

According to the company, it is waiting for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to come out with its Internet policy, to be announced on January 15, before taking a final decision.

If the cable operator does provide Internet access to its subscribers, it will not only be the first in the country but also first in the world to take such a step.

IN Network tested point-to-point Internet services for few of its subscribers by providing the access offline, by downloading a few web pages at its host computer. "Our tests proved to be successful. However, we had to provide services offline because of regulatory restrictions," said S Ravindran, senior vice president, business development and customer services, IN Network. If the company gets the go ahead, it would mean a dramatic increase in the number of people connected to the Net as it will eliminate the need to have a PC to surf. According to analysts, it will also mean a substantial reduction in costs for people wanting to get connected to the Internet.

"To surf the Net, subscribers need not have a PC or a telephone (which is otherwise necessary). Just by installing a set top box with the TV set, they will be able to surf," explained Ravindran. He added that subscribers having a telephone and a PC can dial into the network and can use the cable for downloading, thus achieving faster download speeds of upto 4 Mbps.

A set top box displays a computer keyboard on the TV screen, which can be controlled by a remote control. So the user can key in the website address to go to a particular site, thus eliminating the need for a computer.

However, browsing with a set top box connected to a TV will compromise on the resolution. According to Ravindran, when the company starts its services, it will be initially offered to its subscribers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and later extended to other cities. The network currently has about 2.3 million subscribers in the country of which one million are in Mumbai and another 4 lakh in Delhi. IN Network operates its own network in nine cities and operates through franchisees in another 22 cities.