Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : India Coffee House -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mohan Marette who wrote (10045)	12/15/1999 10:16:00 PM
From: Mohan Marette	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 12475

SoftNet Seeks Net-via-cable Route in India By Uday Lal Pai India Correspondent, asia.internet.com [December 15, 1999--MUMBAI] US-based SoftNet Systems, a provider of Internet services over cable networks, plans to set up partnerships with cable TV operators in India. The company is also looking to set up a base in India in the first quarter of 2000. SoftNet has initiated talks with Reliance Group and Siticable to set up joint ventures in India to distribute Internet services via cable using a VSAT backbone. According to SoftNet chairman Larry B Brilliant, the company seeks to form partnerships with cable operators across India to help them deliver Internet over cable TV. Initially, SoftNet plans several pilot projects in specific cities. Brilliant said that SoftNet partners with cable operators to convert existing systems into high speed Internet networks, and has over 2.5 million Internet subscribers worldwide via cable. The amount of investment in the Indian market would depend on market response, he added. Brilliant said India has the potential to have around 50 million cable homes with Internet access over the next five years. Sumi Augenstein, director of business development for SoftNet, said that the company would target the bigger players first as they had the necessary infrastructure and subscriber base. "For India, economic viability indicates that networks have a minimum of 50,000 subscribers", she added. Brilliant said that the key obstacles faced in India were underpowered one-way cable networks and typical small cable operators with just 200-500 subscribers each. "Excessive government regulations and the lack of legal clarity in this industry also needs to be resolved," he added. The demand for broadband Internet access, the vast reservoir of talent and the low wages made India a promising market for SoftNet's services, Brilliant remarked

To: Mohan Marette who wrote (10045)	12/16/1999 11:50:00 AM
From: Sam Citron	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12475

McKinsey has predicted that in eight years ? that is, by 2008 ? the Indian software industry will be a whopping $87-bn business. Exports will account for $50 bn, while the domestic market will bring in the rest. According to the NY Times article that I posted a few moments ago, India does not impose any income tax on software exports. Is this a misguided attempt at export promotion? I would have thought that there was sufficient incentive already to export software. I recognize the importance of foreign exchange , but why impose a disincentive for Tata and Infosys to work for domestic accounts?