WC is out, it’s WWW.C now

How far will Microsoft go to get new web addicts? The answer may well be found in the portable potty at your next community mela. MSN UK is ...

How far will Microsoft go to get new web addicts? The answer may well be found in the portable potty at your next community mela. MSN UK is creating what Microsoft calls the world’s first Internet Loo, or iLoo, equipped with a flat-screen plasma display, wireless keyboard and broadband access.

MSN UK spokesman Matthew Whittingham says the 21st century public toilet would not be called WC or water closet anymore. Neither would it be described unimaginatively as ‘Ladies’ or ‘Gentlemen’ because it has now been renamed as WWW.C.

Reading in the loo was a favourite English pastime and Indians are not far behind. If you can read your newspaper in the loo, why can’t you do a bit of net surfing there? The iLoo is first being unveiled in the UK but may very soon arrive in India.

It will look like any modern toilet from outside. Once you walk in, you will find a Windows XP-powered computer underneath the sink. As you sit down, a flat screen will swivel out from the side of the cabin. A waterproof wireless keyboard will be available. Place it on the lap and start your virtual tour. If that’s found wanting, you will have a powerful broadband connection for Internet access with six-channel surround sound audio.

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If you forget your favourite websites, there is help at hand. Pull up the toilet roll printed with web addresses. The iLoo will use vacuum suction for waste disposal.

‘‘It’s a bit of fun and allows younger age-groups access to our key services like Hotmail and MSN Messenger in a fun and interactive way,’’ Whittingham said.

The iLoo will be installed at many summer public festivals around Britain. But there could be a problem. What if Mr John, a web-addict, decides to spend hours inside chatting with his pals across the world or Gurmail Singh from Southall decides to watch an India-Pakistan one-day international on broadband?

Bill Gates and his chums seem to have all the answers, with one eye on the moolah of course. Though the price has not yet been revealed, there is a hint that it might well be one pound per minute. Surely, surfing in the portable potty is not going to be cheap.