MUMBAI: Within months of the launch and expansion of 3G services, mobile operator Idea Cellular has now announced the launch of an affordable range of 3G smartphones starting at Rs 5,850 onwards, to drive penetration of data services in the country.

The new Idea smartphones have been affordably priced to ensure rapid uptake by both - 2G users wishing to upgrade to 3G, and existing 3G users - especially in the semi-urban parts of the country which are traditional strongholds of Idea.

As a special introductory offer, Idea is offering data services worth Rs 3,500 with Rs 259 pack, along with the new 3G smartphones. Hence, for the smartphone which is priced at Rs 5,850, Idea 3G user gets it for a value of just Rs 2,609.

Likewise, the handset priced at Rs 7,992 has a value of just Rs 4,751 for Idea 3G users, thus making them the best buys in their respective segments.

The Idea 3G Smartphones are based on 2.2 Android Operating System (OS) and also have a 3.2 MP Camera, Touchscreen (3.5" & 2.8" screen size), GPS Navigator software, FM radio and MP3 Player, WiFi, Bluetooth, Social Media Apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, browser Opera mini, and pre-loaded Google and Youtube, besides a range of other high-end smartphone features and Idea TV. The handset devices can operate as mobile phone, mini computer, and also acts as a Wi-Fi router.

Idea Cellular MD Himanshu Kapania said, "Idea has always innovated to support the telecom services penetration in the country. In line with this commitment, Idea has introduced affordable, yet fully loaded 3G smartphones which will now fuel the aspirations of the evolving mobile user in India. The new smartphones will further drive our existing 3G services in areas of industrial and commercial activity, centers of learning, and high potential rural hinterlands."

Idea Cellular CMO Sashi Shankar said, "Worldwide, smartphones are witnessing rapid uptake due to their multitasking capabilities and vast range of applications. While data uptake has witnessed steady growth ever since 3G services were launched in India, the progress and proliferation will be spurred with the availability of affordable 3G devices. Idea 3G smartphones will not only offer the best apps and technology experience to our users, at the most affordable price points, but are also loaded with huge data benefits and free offers exclusively for Idea users."

The Rs 259 pack offers free subscription to Idea TV for 3 months, 1 GB of data download per month for 3 months, 3G Double Dhamaka benefits for 6 months, and talktime of Rs 25. This special introductory offer is available for both prepaid and postpaid users.

The new Idea 3G smartphones will be available at all major mobile retail stores and Idea outlets across all major cities. Launched earlier in the year, Idea's 3G services are now available in 10 Idea circles, and 10 other circles through roaming arrangements with leading national operators, covering 1,600 towns. Idea has been witnessing growing demand for its 'Gold Standard' 3G services which can be best experienced on smartphones.