Signs an MoU with the Government of Telangana
New Delhi, February 4, 2016 – DataWind Inc. (TSX: DW), a leader in the delivery of low cost Internet access in emerging markets, further enhanced the vision of the Make in India campaign by signing a Memorandum of Understanding today in Hyderabad with the Government of Telangana to set up its new manufacturing unit in the city.
The MoU was signed between Information Technology Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department, Government of Telangana, and the “Datawind Innovations Pvt Ltd”in the presence of Ms. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Canada and Mr.Jupally Krishna Rao, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Telangana at Taj Krishna during a plenary session. The MoU will allow both parties to work collaboratively and cooperatively for the purpose of developing a Mobile Manufacturing Ecosystem in Telangana State.
The new facility is expected to start production within 90 days generate 500 jobs in the first phase of its operation in the state.
While signing the MoU, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IT Secretary, Telangana said, “Telangana is happy to invite investments in the state. We are happy that the company who connected the forgotten billions to the digital age has decided to put up their manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. This will boost the industrial scenario of the state and shall generate ample employment opportunities.
Mr. Ranjan further added “DataWind mission is in line with our Telangana govt. mission, to provideinternet to each and every household in the state.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Suneet Singh Tuli, President & CEO, DataWind said “We are excited to announce the expansion of our operations in Telangana. In addition to empowering citizens with affordable technology and internet access, we are committed to the communities where we operate by generating local jobs.
The manufacturing facility in Hyderabad is the second facility of DataWind in India after Amritsar set up under Make in India campaign of the Prime Minister. It will have a capacity to produce 20 lakhs units of tablets and smartphones per annum and will cater to the growing demand of low cost devices in the country.
Present at the event KT Rama Rao, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communication said, “This is a very good endorsement about our state government policies. We are glad that out of all the states, DataWind has chosen Hyderabad Government is encouraging manufacturing companies and developing manufacturing hubs in and around Hyderabad. The DataWind plant not only contribute to the economic development of the state but also helps in skilling the youth and creating enormous job opportunities in the region. Hyderabad has always promoted and encouraged corporates to establish their factories and R&D centers in the state.”
About DataWind
DataWind is a leader in low-cost Internet connectivity for emerging markets. DataWind’s mission is to bring the Internet, which has the ability to create tremendous social and economic benefits, to billions of unconnected people in the developing world. The Company’s Internet Delivery Platform offers a low-cost Internet browsing solution by bundling an affordable tablet device with an inexpensive, prepaid, Internet service plan. DataWind has been named to MIT Technology Review’s 2014 annual list of 50 Smartest Companies, and by Forbes Magazine among its annual Impact 15 list of innovators. Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, DataWind has offices in London, UK; Mississauga, Canada, Amritsar and New Delhi, India.