India’s Reliance is all set to make its foray into the world of LTE-enabled handsets. The carrier is slated to commence its 4G services across the country shortly, and it looks like it will start sales of its LTE devices to coincide with the 4G rollout.
According to ET Tech, Reliance is targeting the budget and mid-range segments with its handsets, with the entry-level variant set to launch for as low as ₹4,000 ($60). The premium offering will allegedly be priced at ₹25,000 ($380).
The smartphones to be introduced in the first phase include the super-premium variant ‘Earth 1’ and premium variants ‘Water 1’, ‘Water 2’ and ‘Water 3’, a Reliance Retail spokesperson told ET, adding that the devices will soon be available at multi-brand outlets and Reliance Retail stores.
Reliance is also said to turn its attention toward the e-commerce segment, with its upcoming handsets slated to go on sale at Amazon, Flipkart and others:
The retail arm of Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Industries is also mulling partnership with e-commerce firms such as Amazon, eBay, Flipkart and Snapdeal to push its ‘Earth’, ‘Water’, ‘Wind’ and ‘Fire’ series of phones, according to people aware of the matter.
Reliance is collaborating with Qualcomm on VoLTE to provide HD calling and HD video calls over its network. The carrier is also training thousands of retail partners for the imminent 4G rollout.
With Airtel the only carrier to currently offer 4G services in the country, it will be interesting to see how Reliance’s entry changes the ecosystem. Reliance’s robust distribution and sales network will undoubtedly come in handy when it comes to selling its LTE-enabled devices.
Source: ET Tech