Mobile users on internet 24x7 with Star's new initiative

Media giant Star India has launched an internet facility for mobile users, especially targeted at small-end and rural users.

The new mobile application termed PLUS is at present available for free and is accessible on Hutch, Idea, BPL, BSNL, Spice and MTNL.

"Star India is aiming at a small-end user with a high-end handset to explore the range of internet without a computer and access the net for free," Viren Popli, Senior Vice President, Star India Mobile Entertainment told PTI.

"The facility we hope will benefit all mobile users but we are targeting the rural user," Popli said, adding "the repertoire of data is quite large."

"Mobile users can try out the deal for a month for free and if they choose to stay with it we will charge a minimal monthly subscription of Rs 30 for PLUS," Popli said.

A myriad avenues can be explored on PLUS which is "a one-stop gateway to entertainment, information and services," Yash Khanna also of Star India said.

Star has effected a two-way tie up with data providers and mobile service providers including Hutch, BSNL, Idea, BPL, Spice and MTNL who will make PLUS available to their users.

"So far it is a Rs 15 crore investment by Star India," he said.

The PLUS bouquet includes synopses of T V serials, video clippings, MTV and other music videos, banking data, travel data and news, sports and entertainment updates. "It is the largest repertoire in India."

PLUS also offers a TV Guide for programme schedules, mobile banking with HDFC (allowing you to check your bank balance and last 3 transactions), Mobile Travel & ticketing with Makemytrip and Travelguru, Yellow Pages information search and Astrology.

"We go much further than any other such programmes offered by anyone else in the country," Popli said, adding "ours is holistic approach."

"The mobile phone is a powerful device and to reach out to the masses through that instrument is to open a new pathway in communication and connectivity," Popli said.

"Mobiles have become multi-media devices but their usage in India is limited. Many consumers today have a high-end mobile phone and want to do more, seeking entertainment and information on the go," he said.

"It is a rapidly growing niche we are confident PLUS can exploit it," Popli said.

Early PLUS subscribers will also be eligible for discounts by service partners, Popli added.