Aircel ties up with British handset maker

To introduce mobile phones that integrate key features of social networking sites
Aircel on Tuesday tied up with British phone manufacturer INQ Mobile to introduce first-of-its-kind ‘dynamic social' handsets that help users stay connected on popular social networking sites. The mobile operator will also be participating in 3G and WiMAX spectrum auctions.
3G-ready
The two dynamic social handsets, INQ CHAT 3G and INQ MINI 3G, which will be available in 55 cities and sold from Aircel retail outlets, have been priced at Rs.7,599 and Rs.5,399, respectively.
“These multimedia phones are 3G-ready that will deliver superb value-added service (VAS) experience,” Aircel COO Gurdeep Singh told journalists here.
“We at Aircel have consciously focussed on VAS which is the future of telephony to be able to provide our consumers a rich and valuable experience and introduce to them a world of possibilities on their mobile. We are completely in sync with INQ's philosophy and devices which are built with the Internet at the core for a new generation with a different attitude to communication. That means a never before, rich and authentic Facebook, Twitter and email experience along with Aircel innovations,” he added.
Advantage
According to INQ Mobile Chief Executive and Founder Frank Meehan, “these attractively priced phones will soon become popular with Indian youths who want to remain constantly in touch. It will give them true Internet experience while on the go. The advantage with these handsets is that they integrate key features of social networking sites into the phone's address book, removing the need to separately log on to the service.”
Future plans
On Aircel's future plans, Mr. Singh said it would participate in the 3G and WiMAX spectrum bids. “We will begin our services in five more States — Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan — within the next couple of months, thereby covering the entire country. So far we have invested $5 billion while a similar amount will be invested in the next two years to expand reach and built infrastructure,” he added. With presence in 18 circles, Aircel today has over 3.5-crore subscribers.