RCom to launch cheapest smartphone

Communication Giant, Reliance Communications is launching the cheapest business phone in the nation, priced around five digits (Rs.10, 000) to overtake their market leaders like BlackBerry and Nokia. At present, the cheapest business phone (with PDA) is priced around at Rs. 15,000, while high-end phones are available around Rs. 10,000.

AnyDay, a US-based technology and design firm, has developed the phone for the company, sources close to the development said. Global electronics’ good leader China takes on the manufacturing.

The days are waiting for the reveal of this special brand; RCom has completed beta testing and other issues. By the end of next month RCom is ready for the commercial launch.

The charming RCom’s Smartphone is uniquely designed and invokes all eminent capabilities like internet, push-mail services, Microsoft Office (mobile edition) and PDA functionalities (like address book and appointment reminders). The phone also sports a QWERTY keyboard and has 3G capabilities.

From the venture, An RCom spokesperson said the firm was constantly looking at contributing to the growth of tele-density in the country and has undertaken a number of initiatives to make devices and tariffs more affordable. He, however, declined to comment on the company’s business phone initiatives.

As of now, there are more than 300 million mobile connections in the country, of which the business phone segment stands at a meager 3 percent. Industry tycoon’s are of opinion that this segment is “growing fast” and with 3G services expected to be launched by January 2009, revenues from operators would mainly come from high-end (data) phone users.

Unbelievable price, RCom has always undercut prices to gain unlimited access and market share. Here comes the sample, the company launched Monsoon Hungama in 2003, under which it provided a mobile phone for Rs 501 which really dominated the competitors and enriched the end user numbers. Not the victory ends, recently in January 2008 handset of Rs 777 had hit the market and will soon launch an internet-ready phone for Rs 480.

When it comes for communication there won’t be barriers using Reliance RCom.