Caught in the net

What is the significance of Weikfield's achievement?We are the first in India to begin operations as a private Internet Service ProviderISP...

What is the significance of Weikfield8217;s achievement?
We are the first in India to begin operations as a private Internet Service ProviderISP. Till date, internet connections here could only be provided by the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited VSNL but now, we have also been given the licence. Many computer companies had been waiting for this to happen but we went a step further and actually developed the infrastructure 8211; from an abundance of telephone lines to lease lines 8211; even before the decision was out. So when the announcement permitting private ISPs to launch online communications was made on November 7, we were ready to take on the challenge.

What benefits would internet users derive out of Weikfield vis-a-vis VSNL?
With all due respect to VSNL, there is a little difference in the service one gets from a private company as against a government organisation. We have promised our clients a connection within 24 hours. In fact, we have already given 500 connections in the two days that we have been operational, and expect the number to go up to 10,000 in the first year.

We also have a very efficient, technically-qualified team of professionals to provide service back-ups. Personalised service without delays, a round-the-clock helpline, a personlised web page, member newsletter, a net tune-up that ensures that your PC gives you the best possible performance and net fax are other services. An innovation is the variety of easy-to-use addresses we will provide. The usual e-mail addresses are so long that no one can remember them off-hand 8211; e-mail addresses are not meant to be like that! So we offer a choice of simpler addresses.

You also started the first net cafe 8211; Weikfield Computer Academy WCA 8211; in Pune. How did a former Miss India and an architect veer towards computers?
Basically, I got hooked on to surfing the net, and realising its potential, felt that computer education needs to be diffused among as many people as possible. I also discovered that there were very few companies involved in this seriously. So, two years ago, I began the WCA and we also started designing websites. In fact, within a few months, we received an international award for the best website designer. Today, we have major corporate houses like Bajaj Auto Ltd., Bharat Forge, National Chemical Laboratory, Thermax as our clients. We have been involved in intranet projects for several corporate houses and give messaging solutions in a big way to many companies.

Having trained as an architect probably helped me while designing websites. Basically, I like doing things where the results are instant, and this is possible in web-designing.

How personally involved are you in this venture?
Totally! I am fired with the aim of providing each user of ours impeccable service. This can only happen if I am always present to monitor things.

And your future plans include8230;
Right now, we are operating from Pune alone but come April and we plan to go national 8211; set up branches in all major cities. Another feature on the cards is the introduction of e-commerce.

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What about competition from other private ISPs?
The advantage of being leaders in this field will always hold us in good stead. Competition is not something I am overly worried about. I am concerned about giving the best possible service to every individual user and making the WMI a leader in internet-related business.

Sunanda Mehta

Sunanda Mehta is the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Pune. She is a distinguished journalist, columnist, and author with over three decades of experience in the media industry. Educational background: A merit-lister in her 12 th in CBSE (5th rank in Humanities) Sunanda stood first in History in the Board for which she was awarded the Dr Tarachand Gold Medal. She is a triple-graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (History Honours) from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, Bachelor of Education, Delhi University (on scholarship) and Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune. Professional Background Role: As Resident Editor, she oversees the Pune edition of The Indian Express, managing local news coverage, investigative features, and editorial direction for the city. Author: She is an accomplished author, known for her biographies. Her notable books include: The Extraordinary Life and Death of Sunanda Pushkar published by Pan Macmillan (2019). The book was long-listed for the Atta Galatta award for nonfiction and Auther award for best debut author. Majestic Musings - Translation of poems from 100 year old Badshaian from Punjabi to English (2023) Behind the Big Screen- the untold stories of child actors published by Bloomsbury India (2024) Focus Areas: While Sunanda has reported on various subjects from civic to political to investigative and crime, her forte remains long-form human-interest stories, heritage and gender issues. Core Column: "Against All Odds" Sunanda curates and writes a signature series titled "Against All Odds," which profiles individuals who have overcome significant personal, medical, or professional challenges. Recent notable articles (2025) The Story of Dr. Harinder Dhaliwal (July 2025): A Pune AFMC topper who became a neurologist in Canada despite becoming paraplegic. Jayoo Patwardhan’s Cancer Journey (Jan 2025): How the National Film Award-winning designer defeated cancer. Partha Iyengar’s Emergency mid-air (Aug 2025): The story of how Gartner’s India head survived a massive heart attack during a long-haul flight. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage continues to explore deep personal narratives and Pune’s socio-environmental landscape: 1. Personal Narratives & Closure "'I grieved for him 10 years after his murder, found closure to unsolved case'" (Dec 14, 2025): A poignant feature on Vineet Alurkar, son of the late Pune music legend Suresh Alurkar, and how digitizing his father’s collection helped him heal. "A 40-day journey home: how Christopher Benninger's partner gave him the gift of memories" (Nov 23, 2025): A moving tribute to the late acclaimed architect Christopher Benninger and his final trip to the US. "'After 38 years I finally met my biological mother'" (Sept 28, 2025): Chronicling the journey of an adopted daughter from Zurich searching for her roots in Pune. 2. Civic & Heritage "'Vetal Tekdi belongs to common citizens'" (Oct 20, 2025): An interview with environmental activist Dr. Sushma Date on the community-led protection of Pune’s vital green lungs. "'Military village' Apshinge recalls living through war days" (Aug 12, 2025): A report from a village in Maharashtra where nearly every household has a member in the armed forces, focusing on their legacy and current anxieties. 3. High-Profile Commentary & Investigations "Malegaon blast acquittals: 'I was expecting this verdict'" (July 31, 2025): An interview with former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian following the controversial acquittals. "Grounded, license cancelled... she decided to soar higher" (March 30, 2025): The story of Dr. Harpreet A De Singh, Air India’s first woman pilot from 1988, and her transition to leadership and meditation. Signature Style Sunanda Mehta is known for her empathetic storytelling. Unlike standard news reporting, her features often read like narrative non-fiction, focusing on the psychological and emotional resilience of her subjects. One of her articles in The Indian Express titled 'The Quality of Mercy' was converted into a film Rubaru Roshini produced by actor Aamir Khan. She is a strong advocate for Pune's heritage and environment, frequently using her platform to amplify citizen-led movements. X (Twitter): @sunandamehta and @ExpressPune ... Read More