Dell to offer 3G netbooks

MUMBAI, INDIA: Dell and MTNL announced a partnership to offer 3G wireless mobility solution on Dell's select range of laptops and netbooks, and these connected-by-MTNL products would be available through Dell's established distribution channels in Mumbai and Delhi very soon.

The solution includes an embedded 3G Ericsson module with GPS, and MTNL SIM on Dell's select range of laptops and netbooks, plus a 3G pre-paid mobile broadband data package with national roaming facility from MTNL.

This solution eliminates the need to use an additional USB modem (or dongle) to connect to the web, and by having an embedded modem, customers will experience a seamless 'always-on' experience with greater stability and data speeds on the network. This 'Power' bundle starts from an estimated price point of Rs 30,000 and will be offered on Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 netbook, with other models available soon.

“This partnership is in line with Dell's objective to provide complete 'Computing On The Go' solution to its customers,” said Mahesh Bhalla, Director and GM-Consumer Sales, Dell India. “Digital nomads, road warriors and avid Web surfers will be able to connect to a mobile broadband network anytime, anywhere, from chatting with friends, to enjoying their favorite online videos and music,” he added.

Gowton Achaibar, president, Ericsson India and Sri Lanka said: "Ericsson is happy to partner with MTNL and DELL in bringing the first embedded HSPA broadband netbooks to India. These will provide superior, secure and convenient broadband experience to consumers for both mobile and fixed applications."

R Sivakumar, MD-Sales and Marketing, Intel South Asisa, said, “The Indian market for information technology has tremendous potential, and has the opportunity to lead the world in delivering affordable solutions for the masses. Intel and Dell are determined to broaden the number of people who can get access to the Internet. Many different areas of our society benefit from broadband Internet access as it gives opportunities for Indians to have 21st century learning and business tools and compete on a national and world wide scale. Intel is pleased to partner with Dell to make this a reality in India.”

MTNL's 'always-on' data connection supports interactive services including high-speed Internet access with download speeds up to 3.6Mbps, the fastest commercially available speed for Indian consumers.

RSP Sinha, CMD of MTNL said: “By making the Internet easier to access and easier to afford, this partnership will fast-track the growth of India's online population while opening up new business frontiers in content development and e-commerce.”