DataWind Corporation is in the process of bridging alliances with private service providers to give mobile users access to web-based services at low costs.
The company will use a SurferBox for the project. It is an interface between a cell-phone and a TV set. It can also interface with a regular computer monitor. This solution can be used for a cluster.
DataWind also has plans for individual users. It is marketing another solution, PocketSurfer, a wireless web solution for the project. It provides fast, anytime, anywhere access while boosting wireless throughput by more than10 x. It is available as a Wireless ISP Service, or Turnkey Enterprise Server, or a Cell-phone accessory with a full VGA-width (640 pixels), and is about 1/2" thick.
Priced at Rs.9999, the user will be charged for the web usage along with his mobile bill.
Harjinder Singh, CEO, South East Asia Operations, DataWind Corporation, said, "The PocketSurfer is the fastest device in the world, providing last mile connectivity through GPRS signals. It is also compatible with CDMA technology."
Singh added that both the solutions would compress data, resulting in lower bandwidth usage and cost. He claimed that the users would have to pay lower than they are currently paying their service providers. The company is talking to Airtel, BSNL, Spice, Tata Teleservices, and Reliance, and has sought their bulk data plans.
Nasscom Foundation and DataWind had recently signed an agreement to develop and provide low cost wireless computing and internet connectivity for ICT- based empowerment of rural India, at a cost of Rs 450 crore.
The Eliminate Illiteracy Project will have educational programmes for the rural masses, with incentives for participation. The SurferBox manufacturing facility in West Bengal will provide employment to 1000 people.
