DataWind Partners with Reliance Communications to Provide Affordable Internet Access across IndiaDataWind to change internet access in India, launching its most affordable Smartphone line ever with one-year bundled internet access
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 17, 2015 - DataWind Inc. (TSX:DW.TO - News), a leading provider of low-cost internet connectivity and wireless web access products, today announced the details of its previously disclosed carrier relationship. DataWind is partnering with Reliance Communications to offer bundled unlimited internet browsing for one-year with any of its devices across Reliance Communications' entire Indian coverage network. In addition, DataWind has launched three new smartphone models, the Company's most affordable devices to date.
"This is a very exciting development for India; we are making the internet more easily accessible to millions of people across the country, like never before," said Suneet Singh Tuli, President & CEO, DataWind. In working with one of the largest telecommunications providers in the country, that has more than 115 million customers, we can bundle reliable nationwide internet service with virtually every device we ship through all of our Indian sales channels. By broadening our internet service coverage, we can add more subscribers to our already fast-growing customer base and, in turn, increase our recurring revenue stream. We are confident we now have all of the key building blocks in place – the product range, inventory, distribution network and now India-wide internet service coverage – to drive accelerated growth."
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."
DataWind has released three new smartphone models: a three-and-a-half inch 2G version, a four inch 3G and a five inch 3G version. All of the new smartphones are Android Kit-Kat powered, Dual SIM, voice and data enabled, have cameras and offer between four and six hours of talk time. Each model uses DataWind's proprietary internet service delivery platform, which provides a fast, high-quality internet experience through DataWind's browser. The new smartphones will launch immediately with Naaptol, one of India's largest comparison-based social shopping portals, via its TV, print and online shopping platforms, and will also be available through DataWind's retail and other partners.
"We are excited to be furthering our vision of a digital India," added Mr. Tuli. "Our customers will be able to use any of our devices to browse the internet essentially anywhere in India. Through this new partnership and product launch, we have strengthened our market position as a low-cost internet provider for emerging economies. We continue to move closer to our goal of bringing the next billion people online."
About DataWind:
DataWind is a leader in low-cost Internet connectivity for emerging markets. DataWind's mission is to bring the Internet, which has the ability to create tremendous social and economic benefits, to billions of unconnected people in the developing world. The Company's Internet Delivery Platform offers a low-cost Internet browsing solution by bundling an affordable tablet device with an inexpensive, pre-paid, 2G Internet service plan. DataWind has been named to MIT Technology Review's 2014 annual list of 50 Smartest Companies of the world's most innovative technology companies and has received acknowledgement at several prestigious forums, including Mobile World Congress, UKTI Annual Awards for Most Innovative companies, CTIA Wireless Show, Forbes Impact 15 List to name a few.
DataWind has offices in London, UK; Montreal and Mississauga, Canada, Dallas, USA, Amritsar and New Delhi, India.
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SOURCE DataWind Inc.
