An Indian handset maker will tomorrow launch the country's cheapest smartphone, in a move that's likely to disrupt its booming mobile market of over 200 million users.
Called Freedom 251 and priced at under Rs 500 ($7), the handset is being manufactured by domestic handset maker Ringing Bells as part of the government's Made in India campaign, which promotes and encourages local manufacturing.
The introduction of the handset, which is likely 3G-enabled, has received full backing from the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the launch as "empowering India to the last person" and "transforming India's growth story," the Noida-based company said.
"The phone will be popularly priced at under Rs 500 and the launch stands as a true testimony of success of the latest initiatives taken by the Government of India," read media invites sent out by the firm.
Ringing Bells recently launched one of India's cheapest 4G handsets at Rs 2,999 ($43), however the most affordable smartphones in India are currently priced between Rs 1,500 ($22) and Rs 2,000 ($29). Another Indian company called DataWind announced plans last year to launch the world's cheapest smartphone at Rs 999 ($14.6), but that device has yet to hit the market.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently praised India's business environment during a town hall meeting and stated that the company is putting increasingly more energy into the country, which has the third largest smartphone market in the world, behind China and the U.S.
Just last month, Apple sent an application to the country's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) for approval of several planned retail outlets in India, in which less than one third of the population uses smartphones.
In December, Apple cut the prices of its iPhone 6s and 6s Plus handsets in India by up to 16 percent, following a reported dive in sales. The move quickly followed Apple's decision to halve the price of iPhone 5s, from 45,500 Rupees to 24,999 Rupees.
Top Rated Comments
This government is on its track to put things together and increase employment in the country.
For a country that was in deep **** for more than 60+ years of congress Party rule, these guys are doing a much better job. We also need to consider how chaotic it is to deal with a country 1/3 the size of United States of America but 3 times the size of US population. The challenges are many fold but working towards it and achieving success from its failures will what a make a country bright and true global cities...
And for many who are ignorant about how complex India, let me try putting it here...
1. It has 18 official languages with Hindi and English as its official Federal languages
2. Every state in India has its own language (Unlike dialects) and thousands of dialects spoken in every district and county level.
3. To give an understanding of how important these languages are - 7 of 20 largest spoken languages in the world are spoken in India and its their mother tongue...
4. The geography is extremely different from one state to the other.
5. And to top it off, there are many religions and deep rooted castes.
6. Out of its 1.3 Billion people, there are 400 Million people living its cities and urban centers. That's 120% of US population living in cities.
There are many things that I can go about this fascinating country and its complex structure. No country which speaks 2 or more majority speaking languages has survived without skirmishes and its own problems. Now you just need to think how big a head ache it is for the State and Federal Governments to run this country with such diversity and a feeling of togetherness under a single code and still be a democracy... To me its no ordinary feet but something beyond extraordinary... :)
So to drive a business and provide a robust environment for business, trade and economy, the Indian government is doing its every bit and with it comes its fair share of failures and success which the people understand and take it in their stride...
And to say the least, India is a free country which has a successful democracy where every one can voice their opinions for and against the government without loosing their head. On the other hand, China might have had its successes but at the cost of democracy and freedom is never worth it... :)
Just like the Singapore Statesman - Lee Kwan Yew said - 'I was trying to create, in a third world situation, a first world oasis'. Hope the same holds for India as well but with its sheer size and diversity it will take time... Just hang in there...
People don't buy on price?:confused: Yes they do. They also buy on value, perception, acceptance, peer pressure, and myriad other reasons. Blanket statements tend to paint people in corners. Unnecessarily.