The Sterling Group is one of a dozen Indian firms applying for government permission to become internet service providers, breaking the monopoly of state telco and ISP, Videsh sanchar Nigam Ltd. The Indian magazine Rediff reports that the new nationwide service would be called Education To Home Network (ETH.NET) and administered by a new company formed by the Sterling Group, Dishnet. The company has formed technology partnerships with Microsoft Corp, Compaq Corp and Intel to provide internet infrastructure, the service will use Microsoft’s net server suite, the Microsoft Commercial Internet System and Compaq Servers. Formal approval of private internet service providers will be given after the government has approved ISP licensing norms according to officials. Winners of ISP contracts will be given a 15-year license.
