In an effort to grab a sizable chunk of the Indian smartphone and 3G-enabled handset market, Chinese major Huawei Technologies is planning to enhance its “brand visibility” through retail presence and wider distribution network. The company is planning tie ups with telecom operators to provide handsets at ‘subsidised rates'.

A major telecom equipment vendor Huawei entered into the handsets segment in the country in June, through its subsidiary Huawei Devices, by launching four mid and high-end phones priced between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000.

“We intend to focus on mid-range and high-end phones. We will build our own local organisation to ensure distribution and brand visibility,” a company spokesperson told Business Line .

Huawei, as a part of its strategy, has already tied up with Indian telecom operators like Aircel to market handsets. Aircel, at present, markets Huawei “Ideos” – a sub-Rs 10,000 Android- based smartphone from the Chinese company. Talks are also on with other operators, officials said.

Previously, the company had tried out a similar strategy to provide ultra low-cost handsets (ULCC) - where its sub-Rs 1,000 handsets were marketed by CDMA operators - in rural areas.

Other than such tie ups, the company had not gone for any retail selling until June this year.

Direct Distribution

Other than tie ups with mobile operators, the company is also planning to have its own distribution network that includes various companies for retailing the handsets.

Plans are also afoot to provide after sales services as a part of its the marketing strategy.

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