In a bid to spread Internet network in rural areas, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has tied up with HCL to provide computer sets in villages on instalment basis.

HCL will provide computer sets with initial payment of a over Rs 2000 with the broadband connections. The customers have to pay the rest amount in monthly instalments.

"We have made this arrangement most of the rural customers are not prepared to pay a huge amount to purchase computers," BSNL chief general manager, Orissa Telecom Circle, A N Ray said.

BSNL wanted to spread Internet connection in rural areas because of less broadband customers there, he said.

Out of about 70,000 broadband users in Orissa so far, only 15 percent of them are from the rural areas, he stated.

In 2010-11, the public sector telecom company aimed at providing about 50,000 new connections as against the achievement of about 35,000 in 2009-10.

He said in remote areas, Broad-band services will be provided through Wi-Max services. Around 107 locations across the state have been identified for Wi-Max services, he added.

Wi-MAX is a telecom technology that provides wireless transmission of data to portable and fully mobile net access.

The CGM was here to inaugurate the Customer Service Center (CSC) under project Smile. The single window services will be provided at the CSC, where almost all services of the BSNL are available under one roof.