Mumbai: GSM operator Idea Cellular today launched 3G Android smartphones in association with Chinese companies to attract its 2G subscribers to the 3G services.
Idea has tied up with Huawei to source 2.8-inch screen smartphone, to be sold at Rs 5,850, and with ZTE to source its 3.5-inch screen Blade smartphones priced at Rs 7,992.
“These smartphones will further drive our existing 3G services. Users will now be able to access the Internet through these devices. We are also studying if we should enter the 3G tablet market. But we have not taken any decision on it,” Idea Cellular MD Himanshu Kapania said here.
However, he did not give a time-frame by when he expects increased 3G smartphones penetration.
“We don’t plan to enter the 3G handset business. Our objective is to create the ecosystem for 3G penetration and hit an affordable price point. We are also not subsidising these handsets for our users,” he said.
Though there won’t be any voice plan bundling, as a special introductory offer, Idea will offer data services worth Rs 3,500 with its Rs 259 pack, along with these 3G smartphones.
The Rs 259 pack offers free subscription to Idea TV for three months, 1 GB of data download per month for three months, 3G ‘double dhamaka’ benefits for six months and a talktime of Rs 25. This special introductory offer will be available for both prepaid as well as postpaid users.
“Worldwide, smartphones are witnessing rapid uptake due to their multitasking capabilities and vast range of applications. While data uptake has witnessed steady growth ever since 3G services were launched here, the progress and proliferation will be spurred with the availability of affordable 3G devices,” Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar said.
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