Airtel and Intex join hands to launch affordable 4G smartphones

Continuing to build on the success of its 'Mera Pehla Smartphone' initiative, Bharti Airtel has announced its partnership with Intex Technologies, to launch a range of affordable 4G smartphones with advanced features.

The Intex Aqua LIONS N1, a 4G smartphone from the Intex stable, will be available to Airtel customers at an effective price of just Rs. 1649 as compared to the market price of Rs 3799.

"Customers need to make a down payment of Rs. 3149 for the Aqua LIONS N1. The customer is required to make 36 continuous monthly recharges of Rs 169 from Airtel. After 18 months, the customer will get a cash refund of Rs 500 and another Rs 1000 after the completion of 36 months, taking the total cash benefit to Rs 1500," Airtel said.

Under the 'Mera Pehla 4G Smartphone' initiative, Airtel aims to partner with multiple mobile handset manufacturers to create an 'open ecosystem' of affordable 4G smartphones and bring them to market for virtually the price of a feature phone.

"We are delighted to have Intex on board as a partner and their brand familiarity plus distribution reach will add to our affordable smartphone proposition and offer more choice to our customers. We look forward to working with them towards empowering every Indian with a 4G smartphone," Ajai Puri, Chief Operating Officer (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel said.

The Intex Aqua A4 and Intex Aqua S3 are also launched under the Mera Pehla 4G Smartphone initiative.

"The strategic tie-up with Airtel will help Intex offer very affordable smartphones that will accelerate the shift of feature phone users to smartphone without pinching the pocket," Nidhi Markanday, Director, Intex Technologies, said.

-ANI