Baroda: The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers Company Ltd (GNFC), a leading Internet service provider in the state, has decided to invest Rs 80 to Rs 100 crore in IT-related projects.

GNFC, an A category ISP licence-holder for Gujarat, is planning to extend its reach to the adjoining states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

GNFC has a V-SAT hub and an Internet gateway at Bharuch, Gujarat. It is awaiting the licence to offer services using high-powered KU-band. The company offers customised solutions for the V-SAT-based wide-area networks by deploying SCPC-DAMA and SCPC-TDM technology.

GNFC will also provide customised satellite communications and Internet services in alliance with the US-based NSI Communications.

GNFC has been focusing on special applications, niche markets and projects which demand large bandwidth at competitive prices. Some of these applications include transmission of large data content, video conferencing and Internet over V-SAT.

GNFC claims that its satellite bandwidth rates are lower than leased line. It is pinning its hopes on increase in demand for satellite services due to the convergence of telecommunication, broadcasting and Internet in the near future. It has lined up state-of-the-art technology for providing Internet protocol-based satellite communication.

Its V-Sat terminal offers transmission of broadband data, voice over IP, Internet and fax through a single unit.