Hyderabad based Ichip has developed @Box, a sub-$100 computing device, reports The Hindu. The company has filed four patent applications, and has finalized a deal with a telecom operator to offer the device. They’re also in talks with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to offer the device with TV sets, though a broadband connection is key. The device could be priced at sub-$100 levels, though there’s no confirmation yet. A couple of months ago, Novatium signed a deal with MTNL to offer a $100 thin client to subscribers…Intel (NSDQ: INTC) also has plans for low cost PCs, and Reliance is piloting the One Laptop Per Child project in India. Question is: is the price of the computer the only issue that is holding back broadband? Is there some content or an application that will drive broadband/Internet adoption?

SEE ALSO: MTNL To Deploy Novatium’s $100 PC

Update: As mohit mentions in the comments, even those who want a broadband connection are suffering from a lack of options: there are areas in Delhi and NCR where telcos like Airtel refuses to give a connection because cables haven’t been laid out yet…including my area. About time the last mile was unbundled.