MUMBAI: The state-run Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation has promised to offer broadband and other internet services. Making an announcement in the assembly under rule 110, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa said that Arasu Cable was providing 'high quality' cable TV service to the people of the state, for Rs 70 per month.

"Through cable operators, it (Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable Corporation) will provide broadband service at low prices. This will be offered by joining hands with those who have broadband licences," she said while also announcing a new building worth Rs 40 crore for Tami Nadu State Data Centre which will have a space of 5,000 square feet space.

A Near Line Disaster Recovery Centre will be established at a cost of Rs 5 crore to preserve and retrieve government data and an e-mail group will be created at a cost of Rs 1 crore for government officials to ensure safe and fast communication, said the chief minister.

Jayalalithaa also said that cloud services and web-hosting services will be provided to students and young entrepreneurs at a low cost and Rs 50 lakh will be earmarked for this and an internet-based encyclopedia of Tamil arts and culture.