Tata Docomo, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices, and Microsoft India have entered into a long-term, strategic partnership for providing the next generation of telecom products and services to Indian consumers. Under the partnership, both companies will work jointly to build applications and solutions on Windows Mobile 6.5 platform, keeping the requirements of the specific user groups in India in mind.
In the immediate term, Tata Docomo and Microsoft are launching the Windows phones featuring Windows Mobile 6.5 in all circles where Tata Docomo has kicked off its GSM services. Consumers will get an initial offer of 500 MB of free downloads per month, for a period of six months, both companies announced here on Wednesday.
“When we launched Tata Docomo services a few months ago, we had promised subscribers that we would bring to them the best products and services which would offer them convenience and simplicity. Living up to that promise, we are offering the Windows Mobile 6.5 platform in India,” said Anil Sardana, managing director of Tata Teleservices.
He said, both companies will continue to work together to launch more mobile offerings for the Indian consumer on the Tata Docomo platform.
Tata Docomo has launched its services across 10 telecom circles in the country, and plans to roll out in some of the circles for which they have already obtained licence by the end of this calendar year. The company has been allotted spectrum in 18 telecom circles. The Windows phones will target the tech-savvy and up market consumers who are always on the move and need to have constant access to information.
Tata Docomo has also opened its first ‘Dive In’ store in Bangalore. The Tata Docomo ‘Dive In’ store is an exploration zone designed to enable an independent and singular user experience. The store will also showcase various mobile applications and value-added services, to educate visitors on the latest in telecom technology and gadgets.
“The centre is not just about selling devices, but also keeping customers abreast of technology, world of devices, platforms and value-added services and convergence,” Sardana said.
Tata Docomo plans to roll out 100 ‘Dive In’ stores in the next three to six months, covering most big cities, as part of Tata Teleservices $2 billion commitment made earlier for GSM services.
“We are enabling customers to know more about the space we are operating in. This will help them make an informed decision before buying for new mobile handsets,” said Deepak Gulati, president, Tata Docomo.
"Consumers today want to carry their world of information, applications and entertainment wherever they go. A Windows phone seamelessly moves between work and play, providing the best of both the worlds," said Ravi Venkatesan, chairman, Microsoft India.
