Technology

Datawind announces Wholesale Data Partnership with Vodafone to strengthen its mobile internet presence (Press release)

By Tom Otley / 2 October 2008

Consumer benefits will include unlimited internet for life

2^nd October 2008: Datawind Ltd, the provider of the successful PocketSurfer2 mobile internet device, today announces that it has entered into a wholesale data partnership with Vodafone Wholesale, which will enable it to strengthen its mobile internet offering.

Vodafone Wholesale will supply Datawind with all SIMs and data for PocketSurfer in the UK and consequentially Datawind will be able to pass on significant benefits to UK consumers.

This announcement coincides with Datawind launching the new PocketSurfer2R. The new device offers consumers data roaming for just 5p per minute - similar to how consumers are charged for the price of a call - across Europe and USA. Additional features include an unlimited internet usage option (for the lifetime of the device). Feedback from users of the original PocketSurfer showed that many of them were using it for dozens of hours each week and were willing to pay a one-off fee to be able to do that for life.

PocketSurfer2R is an enhanced version of the original and popular PocketSurfer2, available through John Lewis Partners, PC World, Maplin, Amazon, Ideal World and other prestigious channel partners. An ultra-thin, sleek, handheld device offering high-speed connectivity to the internet on the move (as proved by the Datawind Industry-Wide Speed Challenge), with a touchpad to aid navigability around the widescreen and makes accessing the real web, away from the PC, an affordable and easy-to-use reality.

Datawind, through its PocketSurfer2 device, has led the way in the UK's emerging mobile internet sector with its innovative yet affordable offering of one-off price, no contract and 20 hours free usage.

Simplicity is at the heart of the consumer proposition for PocketSurfer. This has been achieved due to Datawind taking away the need for the consumer to sign long term contracts or worry about monthly fees. Datawind integrates the Vodafone SIMs into the devices before they are sold onto the consumer - so all the consumer has to do is buy the device, switch it on and they are online. DataWind pays the network operator, so that the customer does not have to. Data costs are subsidised through sponsored links and search based advertising.

David Elder, Chief Operating Officer, Datawind, comments on the partnership: "Vodafone Wholesale has proved to be a synergistic partner for us. They have moved quickly and aggressively to support our efforts and have a common vision when it comes to the importance of the mobile internet and what consumers are looking for. The UK is a market which is demanding to be able to access the internet away from the PC and an offering like PocketSurfer2R is a great option to meet that demand."

About PocketSurfer2R:

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