The much talked about balloon Internet project launched by Google might come to India soon. The Project ‘Loon’ has generated huge interest globally as the search engine company attempts to increase Internet connectivity using relevant equipment in a balloon. The project is aimed at reducing the yawning gap in the digital divide.
Several countries have shown interest in using this method. Google has said India is among them. But the company seems to be in no hurry in replicating this to other countries.
“Different countries have shown interest in the project. India too showed interest,” Todd Rowe, Managing Director of Global Channel Sales, Google Inc, said.
He, however, said that there was no specific time frame for expanding the project to other countries. “We would like to first test the project in New Zealand and review the results,” he said.
Todd Rowe was here on Wednesday to announce partnership with Getit Infomedia as part of its initiative to help small and medium businesses to go online.
“Through our programme, we have reached two lakh SMBs so far. We are hoping to add another 2 lakh in the next 18 months. In the next few years, we targeting to reach out to 10 lakh SMBs,” he said.
He, however, has not indicated a timeline to reach the 10-lakh SMBs target. The company helped SMBs to open websites and e-commerce windows, if need be.
Google has tied up with 16 partners, which have a combined sales force of 3,000, to pan out across the country.
Getit Infomedia Chief Executive Officer Jaspreet Bindra said the annual costs to start and run websites could range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2 lakh. “It ranges from basic needs of opening a website and open an e-catalogue to run a e-commerce site,” he said.