Mysuru’s 1st cybercafe downs shutters after nearly 30 years

MYSURU: Cyber Cruise, one of Mysuru’s earliest internet browsing centres in Cheluvamba Agrahara, shut down on Monday, marking the end of an era in the city’s internet journey.

Started in 1997 with just two computers and an internet speed of 32 kbps, the centre initially charged Rs 120 per hour. Before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the cafe grew to 20 terminals with eight staff members, bringing hourly browsing charges down to just Rs 10.

However, a steep decline in footfall after the pandemic forced the centre to close down. For many in Mysuru, Cyber Cruise was more than just a place to browse. It was where first emails were composed and distant family members stayed connected.

As its shutters come down, it leaves behind memories of a slower, but curious digital age when the internet itself was seen as a wonder. According to owner MA Mohan, the cafe once had a daily footfall of around 200 visitors, but that number has now dwindled to just five or six a day.

“Covid-19 killed the industry,” he said. “I had applied to upgrade the centre to a Karnataka One outlet. As my application was not accepted, I decided to stop operations,” he said. Mohan recalled that the concept of cybercafes was new to Mysuru in the late 1990s.

“I had read about cybercafes booming in the US and Europe. Inspired by the ‘Internet Cruise’ cafe concept, I named my centre Cyber Cruise,” he said. He started the cafe with a loan of Rs 2 lakh.

“My first customers were two foreigners, staying at a nearby lodge, who had come to learn yoga at Lakshmipuram,” Mohan recalled. Over time, the cafe became popular among locals. “Those days, sending a single email could take nearly an hour,” Mohan recalled.