The 'INFINET' - Indian Financial Network is a satellite based wide area network using VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology set up by the RBI in June 1999. The hub and the Network Management System of the INFINET are located in the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology, (IDRBT) Hyderabad (an institute set up by the RBI). A Closed User Group of the member banks of the network called the "INFINET User Group" has been formed to resolve issues of common interest on a continuing basis. Among the major applications identified for porting on the INFINET in the initial phase are e-mail, Electronic Clearing Service - Credit and Debit, Electronic Funds Transfer and transmission of Inter-city Cheque Realisation advices. Later, other payment system related applications as well as Management Information System (MIS) applications are proposed to be operationalised.