Datawind, the company behind the PocketSurfer2 device, has entered into a wholesale data partnership with Vodafone Wholesale, which it says will enable it to strengthen its Internet-on-the-move proposition.
Vodafone Wholesale will supply Datawind with all SIMs and data for PocketSurfer in the UK. As a result, Datawind says it will be able to pass on significant benefits to UK consumers.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the PocketSurfer2R. The new device offers consumers data roaming for 5p per minute across Europe and the USA. Additional features include an unlimited Internet usage option for the lifetime of the device. Datawind says that feedback from users of the original PocketSurfer showed that many of them were using it for dozens of hours each week and were willing to pay a one-off fee to be able to do that for life.
PocketSurfer2R is an enhanced version of the original and popular PocketSurfer2, available through John Lewis Partners, PC World, Maplin, Amazon, Ideal World and other channel partners. Its a sleek, handheld device offering high-speed connectivity to the Internet on the move, with a touchpad to aid navigability. There is no contract. Datawind integrates the Vodafone SIMs into the devices before they are sold onto the consumer. Data costs are subsidised through sponsored links and search advertising.
Vodafone Wholesale has proved to be a synergistic partner for us, says Datawind Chief Operating Officer, David Elder. They have moved quickly and aggressively to support our efforts and have a common vision when it comes to the importance of the mobile Internet and what consumers are looking for. The UK is a market which is demanding to be able to access the Internet away from the PC and an offering like PocketSurfer2R is a great option to meet that demand.