Don’t you get pumped up when you hear the words ‘Free Internet’? Datawind, the makers of Aakash tablets, has launched its entry level 2G and 3G mobile handsets on Tuesday (17th March). And the most intriguing factor about these devices is that Datawind offers free internet service for a year. This has been made possible with a partnership with Reliance Telecommunications. The series of smartphones are priced in range of INR 1,999 to INR 5,499.
Reliance Telecom has been involved in similar projects earlier. It has collaborated with Facebook Inc. for its internet.org program to provide free internet to its subscribers. And with this launch, it has made clear that it intends to increase its presence throughout.
Talking about the devices, PocketSurfer 2G4 model is a 3.5-inch, dual-SIM enabled and EDGE network compatible device. This smartphone works on Android JellyBean 4.0. PocketSurfer 2G4 is priced at INR 1,999 and designed to grant power of internet connectivity to the users.
PocketSurfer 3G4 is a 4-inch device with dual-SIM and 3G support. This device also holds primary and secondary camera units. PocketSurfer 3G4 runs on Android KitKat 4.4.2 and is priced at INR 2,999. Another 3G supporting device launched is the PocketSurfer 3G5 which is priced at INR 5,499. This too runs on Android KitKat 4.4.2.
Suneet Singh Tuli, Datawind President, said that the devices will use patented Web delivery platform which compresses data via back-end servers to speed up loading of web content. This technology is ideal for 2G and 3G networks. The free unlimited internet browsing facility does not extend for audio and video streaming and downloads. Users will have to get separate top-up plans to do so. Not to forget, BSNL too is involved in something similar. It has started providing free WiFi facilities in Varanasi and is set to install it in other cities too.
Datawind officials added that the devices will be available by end of this month via 3600 retail stores. It intends to double the number of retail outlets by end of the next quarter. Following its commitment to ‘Make In India’ program, Datawind is set to install 90 percent of its manufacturing units in India. It intends to do so within coming 3 months. At present, the company manufactures its devices in China.
With the launch of these devices, Datawind is set to expand its user base in tier II and tier III cities in India. Free internet services will empower the common man to stay connected to the fast moving world.
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