DataWind ties up with RCom to launch budget smartphones

New Delhi: DataWind, the Canada-based low-cost internet connectivity and wireless web access products provider, has joined hands with Reliance Communications (RCom) to launch PocketSurfer 2G4 and PocketSurfer 3G4 smartphones , priced at Rs 1,999 and Rs 2,999, respectively.

The new smartphones come bundled with free unlimited internet browsing for one year on Reliance Communications and the company believes that the launch is a step forward to achieve the government’s Digital India’ vision.

However, the free-access does not include audio/video streaming or local-downloads, which can alternatively be accessed by topping-up using market plans.

Suneet Singh Tuli, President and CEO, DataWind said, “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.”

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.”

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 web acceleration technology to deliver internet browsing through the UbiSurfer browser.

Covered by 18 U.S. and international patents, DataWind’s web delivery platform delivers 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 desktop-like web experience even on traditional GPRS/EDGE 2.5G mobile networks.

Meanwhile, 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.”