Aakash
tablet maker Datawind today launched its entry level 2G and 3G mobile
handsets, priced in range of Rs 1,999-Rs 5,499, offering free data plan
under a tie-up with RCom.
The
PocketSurfer 2G4 is a 3.5-inch, Dual SIM, EDGE network compatible
smartphone priced at Rs 1,999, while PocketSurfer 3G4 is a 4-inch, dual
SIM, dual camera, 3G network compatible smartphone, priced at Rs 2,999.
The
5-inch PocketSurfer 3G5 smartphone, priced at Rs 5,499, has been
upgraded to include a year of free web browsing. The new range of
smartphones are powered with free unlimited Internet browsing for a year
on Reliance Communications (RCoM) network, Datawind President and CEO
Suneet Singh Tuli told PTI.
“The
feature phone market is about 150 million unit a year. So, if we can
convert even 3 per cent of this, which is around 45-50 lakh units, it
would be okay. The target that we have set is to sell 50 lakh units in
next 12 months and are targeting tier II and III cities,” he added.
By
the end of this month, the handsets will be available at 3,600 retail
points and by next quarter, the company will double the number of retail
outlets, he added. As per recent industry reports, over 1.3 crore
feature phones are purchased in India each month at price points below
Rs 3,000.
The
tablet-maker sells nearly 50,000 tablets (UBI Slate) in a month. In a
commitment to ‘Make in India’ campaign, Tuli said: “We are pledging to
ship 90 per cent of our manufacturing to India within 90 days.”
The
firm is in discussions with contract manufacturers in India. At
present, the company manufactures its devices in China, he added.
Datawind hopes to generate around 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in next
one year in India, Tuli said.
The
company has chosen tele-shopping networks and physical retail to sell
the products, as Tuli feels such networks cover 80 per cent of India,
while e-commerce covers just around 3 per cent.
“Not
only are PocketSurfer smartphones priced competitively against regular
feature phones, but a year’s free bundled web browsing delivers more
value than even the cost of the phone,” Tuli said. With this launch,
Datawind is targeting tier II and III cities of India.
The
products will be available on Naaptol’s TV, print and online shopping
platforms starting today and from March 24, they will be available at
Sangeetha Mobiles, Spice Hotspot Retail and other key modern trade and
retail partners.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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