Idea brings affordable smartphones to promote 3G services in India!

Within months of the launch and fast paced expansion of 3G services, Idea Cellular, India's 3rd largest mobile operator has now announced the launch of a range of 3G smartphones starting at Rs. 5,850 onwards, to drive penetration of data services in the country. From today, mobile users in India can access some of the world's best handset features and Idea's 3G applications on Android based smartphones, for as low Rs. 2,609!

The new Idea smartphones have been affordably priced to ensure rapid uptake by both - 2G users wishing to upgrade to 3G, and existing 3G users ' especially in the semi-urban parts of the country which are traditional strongholds of Idea.

As a special introductory offer, Idea is offering data services worth Rs. 3,500* with Rs. 259 pack, along with the new 3G smartphones. Hence, for the smartphone which is priced at Rs. 5,850, Idea 3G user gets it for a value of just Rs. 2,609. Likewise, the handset priced at Rs. 7,992 has a value of just Rs. 4,751 for Idea 3G users, thus making them the best buys in their respective segments.

The Idea 3G Smartphones are based on 2.2 Android Operating System (OS) and also have a 3.2 MP Camera, Touchscreen (3.5" & 2.8" Screen size), GPS Navigator software, FM radio and MP3 Player, WiFi, Bluetooth, Social Media Apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, browser Operamini, and pre-loaded Google and Youtube, besides a range of other high-end smartphone features and Idea TV. The handset devices can operate as mobile phone, mini computer, and also acts as a Wi-Fi router.

Launching the new phones, Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular said, "Idea has always innovated to support the telecom services penetration in the country. In line with this commitment, Idea has introduced affordable, yet fully loaded 3G smartphones which will now fuel the aspirations of the evolving mobile user in India. The new smartphones will further drive our existing 3G services in areas of industrial and commercial activity, centers of learning, and high potential rural hinterlands."

Idea 3G smartphones operate on Android platform, which is emerging as the most popular and fastest growing Operating System (OS) globally. According to a recent report by a leading global Research firm, more than half of the smartphones being sold across the world are now based on Android OS, which is nearly 3 times more than the 2nd best technology. Idea has chosen two of the best selling Android phones globally, to ensure that its users get the best of "Idea 3G' experience at the most affordable price points.

According to Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, "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 in India, the progress and proliferation will be spurred with the availability of affordable 3G devices. Idea 3G smartphones will not only offer the best apps and technology experience to our users, at the most affordable price points, but are also loaded with huge data benefits and free offers exclusively for Idea users."

*The Rs. 259 pack offers free subscription to Idea TV for 3 months, 1 GB of data download per month for 3 months, 3G Double Dhamaka benefits for 6 months, and Talktime of Rs. 25. This special introductory offer is available for both prepaid and postpaid users.

The new Idea 3G smartphones will be available at all major mobile retail stores and Idea outlets across all major cities in India.

Launched earlier in the year, Idea's 3G services are now available in 10 Idea circles, and 10 other circles through roaming arrangements with leading national operators, covering 1,600 towns. Idea has been witnessing growing demand for its "Gold Standard' 3G services which can be best experienced on smartphones.