ZTE to foray in Indian market

ZTE Telecom has forayed into the Indian open market with its range of world class smartphones and tablet PCs for its Indian customers.

In order to establish PAN India presence, The mobile manufacturer has inked a strategic partnership with Pune based Calyx Telecommunications, a part of the Calyx Group. The Group is currently engaged in real estate, media and entertainment and is aspiring to get into power and hospitality sectors in the near future.

Announcing the tie-up, Xu Dejun, CEO, ZTE India said, "As we foray into the handset open market, we are delighted to partner with Calyx Telecommunications. Backed by our strong portfolio and R&D capabilities supported by Calyx Telecommunications strong financing background and distribution channels, we expect to emerge as a key player in the Indian smartphone arena. Globally, ZTE is the 4th largest handset manufacturer and we are certain to strengthen our position in India, which is a key growth propeller for us, contributing to 10% of our overall revenues. We feel it is a perfect synergy between two companies who share the same vision of empowering the Indian handset market."

Under this partnership, ZTE will provide best-in-class products and post sales services and Calyx will be responsible for distribution, sales and marketing.

Gaurav Somani, executive director, Calyx Telecommunications said, "We are delighted in partnering with ZTE which is one of the most reputed players in the telecom sector. This partnership will substantially help us broaden our portfolio into the telecom sector. We are also sure that ZTE will find immense benefits with this relationship, which will help both the companies, emerge as strong players in the Indian market."

ZTE will enter the Indian smartphone market with an initial portfolio of five different models of smartphones ranging from Rs. 5,799 to Rs. 14,999. The launch will be followed with the introduction of tablet PCs in the Indian market.

"We are broadening our distribution network with ZTE's smartphone and tablet portfolio initially focusing on five states, viz Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. We are targeting 60 cities and towns through over 7000 touch points. ZTE products will be available in all major states by the end of October 2013," Somani added.