Reliance Infocomm And Intel Join Hands

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Reliance Infocomm and Intel join hands to accelerate the Internet revolution in India

Intel powered PCs and laptops to provide users instant Internet connectivity through Reliance IndiaMobile and other wireless products

DAKC (Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City), Navi Mumbai, September 21, 2004

In yet another industry first, Reliance Infocomm today announced an agreement with Intel to offer instant, assured and uninterrupted Internet connectivity with Intel powered PCs and laptops sold in top eight cities of India. Users purchasing systems from select dealers will be offered Intel-powered PCs/laptops with Reliance wireless products such as Reliance IndiaMobile and Fixed Wireless Phones along with a data cable, to avail of Internet connectivity at speeds that far exceed today's dial-up speeds.

With its pan-India CDMA2000 1x network, Reliance wireless products enable anytime, anywhere, high-speed Internet connectivity on PCs, Laptops and other computing devices through the popular R-Connect service platform. With a maximum possible download speed of 144 kbps, Reliance wireless products are far superior to most other personal Internet connectivity devices. Reliance IndiaMobile handsets can be used as wireless modems to connect to the Internet from personal computers, laptops or hand-held devices, even while on the move.

"Internet connectivity in India has lagged behind due to poor quality networks and high access costs. CDMA wireless connectivity will now bridge both - the access and cost gaps - and revolutionise Internet usage. Our expanding R-Connect user base has already established us as one of the largest ISPs in the country and is growing every day. With our Phase II expansion underway, Reliance Infocomm services will soon cover the far-flung interiors of India and this tie-up will help boost the rural economy by increasing Internet penetration. This agreement with Intel is yet another step forward in Reliance Infocomm's commitment to bring about a digital revolution in India by changing the way Indians communicate, get entertained and do business," said Kamal Nanavaty, Head, Wireless Business, Reliance Infocomm.

Reliance Infocomm is currently enrolling hundreds of Genuine Intel Dealers as point of sale dealers across top eight cities of India to market the new offering. These dealers sell branded and assembled PCs/lap tops using Intel chips. Speaking at the press briefing, Mr. Amar Babu of Intel Technology, South Asia, said, "Through this agreement between Reliance and Intel, the end consumer will have the added advantage of using a PC with wireless connectivity and be able to experience the benefits of anytime, anywhere computing. This move will bring forth the Reliance wireless technology combined with Intel's silicon technology and work with the Genuine Intel Dealer network to ultimately offer seamless connectivity to the end consumer."

Apart from higher Internet access speeds, R Connect users also enjoy the lowest Internet access charges and hassle free connection since wireless lines provide instant connectivity. A one time installation of the dial-up software essentially enables the user to access the Internet anywhere on the Reliance network, without the need to change dial-up configurations. Moreover, R Connect enables a user to begin surfing from any location - be it the bedroom, drawing room, office or even while on the move from a car.

With an attractive base price of just Rs. 21,789 for the new product offering comprising the Intel Pentium 4 Processor based PC, a Reliance IndiaMobile handset (LG 2230), and the R-Connect data cable, this agreement is set to boost Internet penetration to a wider user segment.

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