Datawind exploring possibility of new manufacturing unit in UP

Low-cost mobile and wireless internet device maker Datawind is exploring the possibility of setting up a new manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh.

In fact, the company is currently in talks with several state governments, including UP, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and the North East for setting up two mobile phone and tablet units to keep pace with its expansion plans.

"Our team is reviewing the IT policies and the comparative tax and other incentives being provided by these state governments. It would take some time to select the places where we would finally be setting up our units," Datawind vice president (operations) Ibadat Singh told Business Standard here.

However, he mentioned things would clear in a month. "UP is a big market for us and a frontrunner for getting of our proposed plants."

Datawind is looking at ramping up its manufacturing capacity from 3,500 units per day to about 8,500 units per day with the help of its new plants.

Although he refused to comment on the proposed investments, there are reports Datawind has planned to invest roughly Rs 200 crore in its two facilities. Each plant would generate employment for 500-1,000 people.

Currently, Datawind has a mobile phone manufacturing unit in Amritsar, apart from a fabrication unit for smartphones' touch panels. Besides, it is working on rolling out its 4G mobile devices by early next year.

The company is targeting the bottom of the pyramid segment in smartphones and tablets branded as Pocketsurfer and Ubislate respectively.

Meanwhile, Datawind has tied up with Telenor to offer free unlimited bundled net browsing for a year. The offer is available on its devices across six telecom circles where Telenor operates viz. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar & Jharkhand, UP (East), UP (West), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.

Earlier, Datawind had launched a similar service with Reliance.