Uday Lal Pai

[ASIA] U.S.-based Netscape Communications, best known for its Netscape Navigator Web browser, announced the launch of its India operations with an initial investment of $10 million. Netscape Communications India Private Limited (Netscape India) would utilize Indian software development talent and employ over 100 senior engineers to develop next-generation software products for Netscape and America Online […]

At least four Indian e-companies are expected to be listed on Nasdaq by the end of this year, according to Nasdaq president Alfred R. Berkeley, who was in India recently. Although Berkely didn’t specify any names, likely companies include Rediff, Silverline Industries, Wipro Bharti enterprises, Morepen Laboratories, Zee Telefilms, Indiatimes.com, Indianfoline, and Pentamedia Graphics. Industry […]

Microsoft is all set to launch MSN.co.in, the company’s long-awaited India-specific portal, and a beta version of the portal is currently available online. The beta site will be modified based on the feedback and suggestions that Microsoft receives. The company is looking at acquiring portals that are India-specific and rich in content. It had followed […]

India’s first private gateway was formally inaugurated at Hitech city in Hyderabad recently, marking the end of the monopoly enjoyed so far by Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL). Installed by InTechNet Ltd, the gateway is the first to be launched by one of the eight private companies that have been permitted by the Department of […]

Dishnet Ltd., the ISP arm of Sterling Group, has sold 6.67 percent of its stake to the US-based CenturyTel Inc. (CTL), for US$23 million. As a result of the deal, CTL will have one representative on the Dishnet board. Dishnet was green-lighted by the Indian government last month for induction of foreign equity and issuance […]

Information and news giant Reuters will offer venture capital funding in India, routing funds into the country through its Greenhouse fund, its overseas venture capital fund that has had a presence in the US and European markets since 1994. “We plan a minority investment program for a range of start-up technology companies,” said Jan Coos […]

India’s telecom major MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd) intends to list on the New York Stock Exchange by next week, even as its wholly-owned Internet arm Millennium Telecom plans a listing on Nasdaq. Millennium Telecom has completed the registration formalities, according to S. Rajagopalan, chairman and managing director of MTNL. MTNL’s entire Net business would […]

The Hinduja Group has drawn up a blueprint for a US$1.3 billion Net push in India. The firm owns and operates the largest cable TV operations in India under the IN CableNet Brand, with over 3 million customers in nine cities. “If India is to play a major role in the e-economy, then India needs […]

Tata Enterprises is working out plans to roll out what could be the most ambitious Internet venture in the country: ISP India Ltd. According to highly placed sources at Bombay House, the headquarter of Tata Industries, Tata Enterprises is planning to take over regional ISPs. ISP India plans to cover nearly 60 cities over a […]

Intel Corp. is set to expand its e-business operations in India, which it calls one of the biggest markets of the future and a key market for a global network of Internet data hosting centers. Intel (INTC) plans to invest US$10 million to set up a separate division for online services and will enter into […]

The ongoing price war between leading Indian ISPs ratcheted up as Dishnet Ltd. slashed their rates to Rs 600 (US$13.95) per month for unlimited access. The rate cut is in response to the competing Rs 1000 (US$23.25) rate announced last month by MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd.). Market leader VSNL (Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd) recently […]

Satyam Infoway Ltd., India’s largest private sector ISP, is going ahead with its proposed acquisition of IndiaWorld Communications Private Ltd. (ICPL), despite the alleged trademark infringement by the owners of IndiaWorld.com. Satyam (SIFY) is likely to explore the possibility of taking the ADR route again or private placement route to fund the second step of […]