Ringing Bells

Though the craft is ingrained in Odisha's traditions, the artisans struggle with low wages, lack of policy support, and the vice-like grip of middlemen

A fortnight ago the company claimed to have started off with the delivery of 5,000 units of Freedom 251

Earlier, the firm conducted a lucky draw among 70-million registered customers and selected 5,000 applicants for the first leg of delivery

Company director Mohit Goel said that they are ready to ship 2 lakh units of the smartphone for Rs 251 each if the govt supports them

After Rs 251 smartphone, Ringing Bells plans to launch LED TV at Rs 10,000

'We will have a loss, but I am happy that dream of connecting poor Indians has been fulfilled with Freedom 251,' said CEO Mohit Goel

The launch of the smartphone, touted to be the world's cheapest, had swirled into controversy, with some calling it a ponzy scheme

Adcom warned of legal action in case Bell's activities adversely impact its brand name or cause any kind of losses

Denying the charges, Ringing Bells said people approaching helpdesk were unable to connect and the company directly received thousands of complaints regarding the problem

Authorities have sought clarification from Ringing Bells for marketing its mobile phone without a BIS certification

One has to negotiate narrow lanes of Delhi's Gandhi Nagar before reaching the office of Freedom 251 smartphones in Mukharjee Gali