smartBridges and SREI have announced an alliance to provide low-cost technology enabled Common Service Centres (CSCs) in West Bengal, India.

smartBridges will provide the wireless infrastructure to set up 4937 CSCs in 14 districts of West Bengal while SREI will manage these centres and develop a self-sustaining business model.

"In smartBridges, we have a partner with a serious commitment to R&D and rural connectivity project implementation expertise. smartBridges wireless products have the right blend of cost, performance and reliability to meet the challenges of setting up CSCs on a large scale" said Dr. Sabahat S Azim, VP, Strategic Initiatives, SREI.

These CSCs will serve as a revenue tool for village entrepreneurs as well as several self help groups. While providing additional employment, services like VoIP, eEducation, eMedicine and other technology based solutions will also be implemented to improve the quality of life of the rural population.

Dr. Y R Rao, MD, smartBridges India, said, "The concept of CSCs is that there need not be any more migration from rural to urban areas in search of a better life. Through this project every CSC village will be equipped with modern communication tools brought about by a wireless network solution.”

The CSCs are set to be operational within 12 months.