Detel has established a strategic partnership with the state-owned BSNL to launch Detel D1 feature phone. The main attraction of the Detel D1 is that the phone is priced only at Rs. 349, which makes it the lowest device in the feature phone segment. It is to be noted that the cost of the Delete D1 is Rs. 311.61 before GST. The price of Rs. 349 is very much less when compared to the retail price of Rs. 699.
According to the company sources, the Detel D1 is the most economical feature phone because of its low cost. Moreover, the phone ships with BSNL connection with 365 days validity for the first recharge. As a user, you will be eligible for a total talk time of Rs. 103 with competitive call rates.
You can perform calls from within the BSNL network at 0.15 paisa per minute. When it comes from BSNL to other networks, you need to pay 0.40 paisa per minute. In addition to discounted call rates, you can also avail customized ring back tone for 28 days free of cost.
On the specifications front, the Detel D1 is equipped with a 1.44-inch monochrome display coupled with a 650mAh battery. The phone also includes phonebook, FM Radio, speaker, torchlight, and vibration mode. The phone accommodates one SIM card with 2G connectivity.
Commenting on the development, Yogesh Bhatia, MD, SG Corporate Mobility disclosed that India is the only place in the world where there is a massive spike in the use of the feature phones. Moreover, the feature phone market has taken over the smartphone market to a great extent after the Demonetization in 2016.
The main reason for the huge popularity of feature phones is attributed to the price or simplicity. Moreover, users are not willing to invest huge amount for smartphones that become outdated after a certain point in time. Bhatia added that feature phones will stay in the mainstream market for a long time.
Responding to media, BSNL spokesperson disclosed that they are committed to providing affordable and efficient mobile services. The main aim of the BSNL is to reach out to not only urban but also rural areas across the country.
The collaboration with Detel is to tap those section of people who would like to purchase a phone for their daily needs. Moreover, they proudly say that they have a phone with reliable mobile connectivity to stay in touch with their loved ones on the go.