MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Aug. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataWind Inc. (TSX:DW), a leader in the delivery of Internet access in emerging markets, has introduced its stand-alone mobile app. Once downloaded, the app provides unlimited basic Internet access on any Android device for one year. After multiple successful focus group studies, DataWind has begun rolling out a soft-launch of the app.
Users will be able to download the mobile app on any Android device, and either make an online payment for it or purchase a DataWind Internet access pre-paid card that will soon be available at participating retailers within DataWind’s vast retail network of over 51 channel partners across 10,000 retail locations.
“The introduction of our mobile app provides an entirely new way for Indians to access the Internet and we believe this is the next step in the evolution of DataWind,” commented Suneet Singh Tuli, president and CEO of DataWind. “Our reach, which is now no longer limited to the distribution network of our physical devices, is significantly broader than at any other time in our company’s history.”
“Despite the rising number of mobile smartphones and tablets being sold in India, over 70% of users do not purchase data plans for Internet access – leaving them unconnected in the Internet age. This figure can be significantly reduced over time as our new app has the potential to bring these users online at an affordable price for the first time.”
“We believe our Internet-enabled devices and mobile app are the only affordable ways to bring people online in emerging markets across India and the world. Our app is the next step in achieving our company’s goal of bringing the next billion people online.”
With the Android smartphone market expected to form the majority of India’s 20 million monthly phone market over the next couple of years, DataWind is well positioned to capitalize on this growth.
"We believe the launch of our mobile app has the potential to significantly increase our company’s revenues and our margins. Our Internet services revenue carries significantly higher margins when compared to our hardware, which has made up almost all of our historical sales,” added Tuli.
Covered by 18 U.S. and international patents, DataWind’s breakthrough web delivery platform will give users access to DataWind’s basic Internet experience, which reduces up to 97% the amount of data needed for web browsing, providing a broadband-like experience on any network -- even on legacy 2G networks that are still prevalent in India. Users will be able to access billions of websites ranging from News, Finance, Travel, Social Network, Email and Educational content.
DataWind intends to offer its stand-alone mobile app for between Rs 99 and Rs 150, which equates to approximately $2 to $3 per year.
About DataWind
DataWind, Inc. is the leader in providing affordable mobile Internet connectivity in emerging markets. The company's patented, cloud-based technology reduces up to 97% the amount of data needed for web browsing, providing a broadband experience on any network -- even on legacy 2G networks that are still prevalent in developing countries. DataWind also provides economical smartphones and tablets that come bundled with one year of unlimited Internet access, making it the largest tablet provider in India. DataWind's unique solution offers broad social and economic benefits for the billions of people around the world for whom an Internet connection was previously out of reach. DataWind is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:DW). For more information visit www.datawind.com.
Forward-Looking Information
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