MTNL’s 3G wireless solutions will be bundled with Dell laptops (for Mumbai and Delhi region) – the bundling will include an embedded 3G Ericsson module with GPS, and MTNL SIM on Dell’s select range of laptops and netbooks, plus a 3G pre-paid mobile broadband data package with national roaming facility from MTNL. (source)
The bundling will be available in Mumbai and Delhi only (MTNL’s subscriber base) and will be offered on Dell’s Inspiron Mini 10 netbook.
This is an interesting development and other operators might just want to look at a similar distribution channel – after all, one of the reasons for Internet not happening in India is the dismal PC penetration (so atleast have Internet in each and every laptop).
As far as MTNL is concerned, they need to market 3G first (read: 3G in India – Gloomy subscription numbers from BSNL and MTNL) and bring in useful apps, instead of just worrying about subscriber base.
What’s your opinion?
The author says, “…other operators might just want to look at a similar distribution channel – after all, one of the reasons for Internet not happening in India is the dismal PC penetration”.
That’s a specious argument. The segment that has notebook computers in all likelihood already have Internet at home or at work. This is about 30 to 50 million people, which is what our Internet penetration numbers show. MTNL’s model is merely a replication of Reliance or Tata’s online access using a USB dongle, nothing more, and an imperfect one at that as it restricts users only to Mumbai and New Delhi for 3G speeds. These speeds will not be available as national roaming, so in all other places a user will experience the USB level of service.
Just would like to reveal you one thing that MTNL provides 3G services across India in association with BSNL. And thus MTNL’s 3G services are not restricted to Delhi and Mumbai.
Thanks
Mohit
I like Dell, HATE MTNL.. i dont think this arrangement will work out.
For one, MTNL is plain bad service, its services are high priced and not much value. Dell on the other hand is reliable, good quality and affordable. Its a total mismatch here..
I’ll place my bets on TATA DoCoMo’s 3G netbook from Qualcomm.. and which is tentatively priced at Rs. 5000/-…. eagerly awaiting its market debut.. God when will 3G be here !!? arghhh