AP aims for $5B investments with new Cloud Hub policy

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh should be one of the most preferred destinations for Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud Hubs and to ensure this, the IT ministry has prepared a Cloud Hub policy. Attracting new investments worth at least $5 billion in the sector by 2020, promoting innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), encouraging R&D in the industry and ensuring continuous technology upgradation are some of the goals of the policy. 

To promote advanced testing facilities, such as driverless vehicles, drones and to act as an anchor and co-location host for SAARC countries and beyond, the policy has suggested some measures.

The Cloud Hub policy has offered incentives, such as power subsidy and fibre connectivity. Power supply from two grids and subsidy of Rs 2/kVAh, for two years from the start of commercial operations is one of the salient features. 

Regarding fibre connectivity, 50 percent fibre connectivity will be provided for three years, up to a maximum of Rs 1 crore on connectivity charges. 

AI Research and Development, AI workforce, AI testing and AI regulation are the policy enablers.