On Friday, a low-cost home computing device was launched by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Chennai-based IT solutions company Novatium, which could help the former achieve a target of 9 million broadband connections across the country in the next couple of years.

Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL Kuldeep Goyal informed at a press conference after the launch of “Nova netPC” on the BSNL’s network, “Affordability issues over buying a desktop PC or laptop would no longer stand in the way of broadband penetration, especially in rural areas.”

Most importantly, the user is provided with a set top box, keyboard and mouse while most hardware functions of a computer will be managed by a central server. The user will also have access to most of the widely used applications. The access to the BSNL’s broadband conduit would be facilitated by the central server, for which the user will need to subscribe to any of the monthly plans.

The users can avail the Nova netPC, which is available in two packages at BSNL’s outlets in the city at a down payment of Rs.1,999 and a monthly charge of Rs.199 or an upfront fee of Rs.2,999 and monthly subscription of Rs.175.

“The total number of broadband users in the country was only 5.25 million, which was less than 1 per cent of the population. In developed societies, the penetration levels were as high as 60 per cent or more,” reported Mr. Goyal.