Chinese mobile device and telecom equipment maker, ZTE, has declared that it is entering the Indian market by directly offering the customers in the country a wide range of its smartphones and tablet PCs for the first time. The Chinese manufacturer has signed a deal with Calyx Telecommunications, a Pune-based company, that will not only manage sales and marketing but also distribute ZTE devices in the entire country. However, after-sales service and products will be covered by ZTE.
Nevertheless, this would not be the first time that Indians are going to get their hands on ZTE devices, as previously it had provided its products to several budget players in the country. Now Indians will be able to directly purchase ZTE devices, as initially the company will offer five low-budget smartphones, which will range from Rs. 5,799 ($105) to Rs. 14,999 ($270). Smartphones from ZTE will be made available by October in all major cities of India but for the time being the company has no plans to bring in its tablet PCs to the country.
Initially ZTE will focus on 60 cities in five different states of India, which are Goa, Madhya Pardesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat. For further details check out the full press release given below:
“ZTE Telecom India PVT Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, is foraying into the Indian open market with its range of world class smartphones and tablet PCs for its Indian customers. ZTE is one of the largest mobile device manufacturers in the world with a portfolio ranging from entry level to high end smartphones.
In order to establish PAN India presence, ZTE has inked a strategic partnership with Pune based Calyx Telecommunications, a part of the Calyx Group. The Group is currently engaged in Real Estate, Media and Entertainment and is aspiring to get into power and hospitality sectors in the near future. Under this partnership ZTE will provide best-in-class products and post sales services and Calyx will be responsible for distribution, sales and marketing.
Announcing the tie-up, Xu Dejun, CEO, ZTE India said, “As we foray into the handset open market, we are delighted to partner with Calyx Telecommunications. Backed by our strong portfolio and R&D capabilities supported by Calyx Telecommunications strong financing background and distribution channels, we expect to emerge as a key player in the Indian smartphone arena. Globally, ZTE is the 4th largest handset manufacturer and we are certain to strengthen our position in India, which is a key growth propeller for us, contributing to 10% of our overall revenues. We feel that it is a perfect synergy between two companies who share the same vision of empowering the Indian handset market.”
Dr. Gaurav Somani, Executive Director, Calyx Telecommunications said, “We are delighted in partnering with ZTE which is one of the most reputed players in the telecom sector. This partnership will substantially help us broaden our portfolio into the telecom sector. We are also sure that ZTE will find immense benefits with this relationship, which will help both the companies, emerge as strong players in the Indian market.”
“We are broadening our distribution network with ZTE’s smartphone and tablet portfolio initially focusing on five states, viz Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. We are targeting 60 cities and towns through over 7000 touch points. ZTE products will be available in all major states by the end of October 2013”, Dr. Somani added.
ZTE will enter the Indian smartphone market with an initial portfolio of five different models of smartphones ranging from Rs. 5,799 to Rs. 14,999. The launch will be followed with the introduction of tablet PCs in the Indian market.”