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New Android users in India offered 1GB of free data, courtesy of Google and Reliance
In an effort to stir the interest for Android smartphones in India -- and, to let new customers test drive its 3G network -- the carrier Reliance Communications has partnered with Google to provide 1GB of data usage for all new activations of CDMA Android handsets. The promotion is available to both pre-paid and postpaid customers, who may take advantage of the deal now through June 15th. Once aboard, subscribers will have 30 days to burn through their allotment and discover the joys of a smartphone. Additionally, the carrier will extend a similar offer for new GSM Android activations, which is set to begin on May 5th. Reliance plans to drive its promotion with an ad campaign that sports an Android bot in the carrier's colors -- though, we're still partial to green. Just sayin'.
India's 3G auction draws to a close
It's been a long time coming, but after countless delays in getting the auction underway, bidding on nationwide 3G spectrum in the world's second most populous market has ended -- and four companies appear to have come out on top. Most of the Indian markets only had three licenses available, so you'll likely be doing some roaming if you travel much, but Reliance, Bharti, Aircel, and Tata have all come away with significant swaths of airspace. And how much did it end up costing for the privilege of delivering high-speed wireless 'round these parts? After kicking off India-wide bidding for one slot at 35 billion rupees (about $773 million), the auction wrapped up at 167.51 billion rupees ($3.7 billion) after some 183 rounds of bidding in just over a month. Now, the hard part: actually building those 3G networks. Chop chop, guys!
India's Reliance Communications offers free netbook with contract
It's not the first carrier to hop on the netbook bandwagon, but India's Reliance Communications looks like it could be about to boost those global netbook sales numbers even further, with it announcing that it plans to offer free mobile broadband-equipped netbooks to anyone willing to sign a two-year, $30-a-month contract for its NetConnect service. What's more, while the complete specifics are still a bit light, Reliance has apparently partnered with Intel, Acer, Asus, HCL and Lenovo for the deal, which seems to suggest that you'll be able to get the Atom-based netbook of your choice, or at least choose from a decent enough selection.[Via GigaOM]
