Digital India: DataWind launches free internet access on RCom\'s GSM network

Boosting the grand vision for a Digital India, DataWind, a leading provider of low cost internet connectivity and wireless web access products has 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, ParmGill, President and CEO of DataWind Suneet Singh Tuli, Prof NK Goyal, President of CMAI and Sujith Haridas, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)," said the press statement.

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 compatible smartphone 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.

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. 

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 High Commissioner for Canada to India, 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."

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 per cent of its manufacturing to India within 90 days.  "In our commitment to Make in India, we hope to generate 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs in India within the next year as we work with electronics manufacturing services companies in India," said Tuli.