Boosting the grand vision for a Digital India, DataWind (TSX: DW), a leading provider of low cost internet connectivity and wireless web access products, today redefined the meaning of affordability, with the launch of its most affordable smartphone range starting at just Rs 1,999. The new range of smartphones come powered with free unlimited internet browsing for one year on Reliance Communications, India’s most progressive mobile network.
The revolutionary new range of PocketSurfer smartphones were unveiled by H.E. the High Commissioner for Canada to India, Nadir Patel, Parliament Secretary to Minister of International Trade, Canada, Mr. ParmGill, President & CEO of DataWind Suneet Singh Tuli, Prof NK Goyal, President of CMAI and Mr Sujith Haridas, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).
Recent industry reports show that more than 1.3 Crore feature phones are purchased in India each month at a price-point below Rs3,000. The new PocketSurfer smartphones allow consumers to upgrade and join the digital age at no real increase or extra cost over their current spends on a feature phone. The PocketSurfer 2G4 is a 3.5 inch, Dual SIM, EDGE network compatiblesmartphone and the PocketSurfer 3G4 is a 4 inch, Dual SIM, Dual camera, 3G network compatible smartphone. Both the phones make use of DataWind’s breakthrough web acceleration technology to deliver the fastest internet browsing experience through the UbiSurfer browser. Not only are the PocketSurfer smartphones priced competitively against regular feature phones, but the year of free bundled web browsing easily delivers more value than even the cost of the phone. The 5 inch screened PocketSurfer 3G5 smartphone has also been upgraded to include a year of free web browsing.
With access to billions of web pages, at no cost, users can take advantage of content for both education and entertainment. The web is the most powerful tool for commerce, allowing users to make travel bookings, purchase from ecommerce sites or even promote their own businesses and conduct transactions. Even endless forms of communications can be conducted on the free access delivered by DataWind, including access to E-mail and social networking sites. The PocketSurfer smartphones come bundled with the infinite power of the internet, For Free!
Covered by 18 U.S. and international patents, DataWind’s web delivery platform delivers a fast and affordable route to internet over 2.5G and 3G networks. DataWind’s back-end cloud servers compress and accelerate the delivery of web content by factors of 10x to 30x to render a fast and rich desktop-like web experience even on traditional GPRS/EDGE 2.5G mobile networks. Utilizing DataWind’s technology, a year of unlimited access on the UbiSurfer browser is bundled with PocketSurfer devices and delivered using the Reliance Communications GSM network for free. The free-access does not include audio/video streaming or local-downloads, which can alternatively be accessed by topping-up using market plans.
Speaking on the launch, Suneet Singh Tuli, President & CEO, DataWind said, “We are passionate about technology and access that enables and empowers the common man to achieve more in every conceivable way. With this new range of ultra-low cost smartphones, powered with free internet access by India’s leading network, we hope to ignite a spark that will revolutionise India’s movement towards achieving its grand vision of a Digital India. We see this as a beginning of a new phase in internet revolution led by mobile internet and we are delighted and privileged to have Reliance Communications by our side in this new transformational journey towards a Digital India.”
Commenting on the partnership, Gurdeep Singh, CEO, Consumer Business, Reliance Communications said, “We are delighted to partner with DataWind and offer unlimited data for 12 months on our high-speed GSM data network, which will lead to a unique user experience on the PocketSurfer Smartphones, which sport many technological breakthroughs. A product like this one will be best experienced on a seamless IP-enabled network such as RCOM’s, and will make for an unmatched data experience.”
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Mr. Parm Gill, said: “Canada and India are natural partners when it comes to technology and innovation. Our two countries have a shared interest in fostering new ideas, technologies and innovation. Together, they drive productivity, drive economic growth and development, as well as improved global competitiveness, creating jobs and prosperity for both nations.”
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, the High Commissioner for Canada to India, Mr. Nadir Patel, said: “Canada strongly values its relationship with India, including our growing trade and investment relationship in the information and communication technology space. DataWind’s partnership with Reliance Communications is a prime example of the collaborative spirit between Canada and India for the benefit of our societies and of economies. We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership going forward as India strives to achieve its Digital India and Make in India objectives.”
Make in India:
While thanking the Indian Government for implementing DataWind’s recommendations and reversing the inverse duty structure related to Smartphones and Tablets, the Company made a pledge to shift 90% of its manufacturing to India within 90 days. “In our commitment to Make in India, we hope to generate 1,000 new direct & indirect jobs in India within the next year as we work with electronics manufacturing services companies in India,” said Mr. Tuli.
Product Availability:
The products will be available on Naaptol’s TV, print and online shopping platforms starting March 17th, 2015. Starting March 24th, the products will also be available at Sangeetha Mobiles, Spice Hotspot Retail and other key modern trade and retail partners.