Though specs for the new device are yet to be announced, Datawind confirmed that it is urging the government to include mobile connectivity

News | by CIOL Bureau

BANGALORE, INDIA: Datawind has said that the tender for the next version of Aakash is likely to be called in February.

Though specs for the new device are yet to be announced, the company confirmed that it is urging the government to include mobile connectivity.

Suneet Singh Tuli, the CEO of Datawind, told CIOL: "We've been urging the government to include mobile connectivity (at least GPRS) in the devices. We have said that it is doable at the same price-range in larger quantities. This idea seems to be gaining some traction."

"The government hopes that at larger quantities, they'll be able to incorporate a faster processor and more memory within the same price," Tuli adds.

Currently, the Aakash 2 powered by Android operating system is commercially available as the UbiSlate 7Ci for Rs 4,499 while the government is giving it to students at a subsidised price of Rs 1,130.

Here we can recall what Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said recently. "Aakash is a kind of product that two-third population of the world needs as they don't have enough resources to buy a tablet worth $150. The Aakash tablet will be a game changer for the world."

Do you agree with Sibal? Let us know.