Hyderabad: eSeva APOnline, an initiative of TCS and Andhra Pradesh Technology Services, a company owned by the Andhra Pradesh government, has come up with an initiative to offer unmatched convenience - AP Online has teamed up with PCO NET to offer a service whereby customers can pay their utility bills from the comfort of their homes.

Under the new agreement, authorised attendants carrying mobile terminals accept bill payments in the form of cash and cheques going from door to door. Connected to the departmental servers via wireless Internet, the service is safe, secure and extremely convenient way to pay
bills.

According to Rajesh Nambiar, director, APOnline, this unique service from APOnline and the Government of Andhra Pradesh will ensure that contemporary technology benefits the common man.

Dr J C Mohanty, principal secretary IT&C department, government of Andhra Pradesh, launched the doorstep bill payment service on July 16, 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mohanty said, "This is an important step in bringing the government closer to consumers. The use of mobile terminals will bring more convenience for customers to pay utility bills like water, power and telephone bills. With security built-in through these terminals, customers can safely pay utility bills at their convenience at their doorsteps. We encourage citizens to use this service for better service and convenience"

AP Online is presently offering services for utility bills like electricity, water and Tata Indicom bill payments, application and information services to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh. APOnline has also witnessed a steep increase in volume of transactions.

eSeva APOnline is a fully computerised portal-based service where different agencies converge at one platform and allows customers to pay utility bills, file applications, and register complaints for various services and also access important information.