Ringing Bells will import the first 50 lakh units of its handset, a government official said following a meeting with the company’s promoter. The firm had earlier claimed that making devices in India would help it sell a smartphone for as little as Rs. 251.
Company, which claims to have received more than 6 crore registrations for its Freedom 251 phone, has promised delivery of 50 lakh handsets by June 30. Of this 25 lakh will be online orders and 25 lakh would be those received offline.
In a meeting with Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY) officials following a summons, Ringing Bells President Ashok Chaddha and Promoter Mohit Goel on Monday “explained their business model”. This follows instructions from the Communications and IT Minister to examine the “veracity” of the venture.
Also see Will make profit of Rs 31 on each Rs 251 phone: Mohit Goel
According to a senior ministry official, Mr. Chaddha and Mr. Goel stated that initially they plan to import 50 lakh handsets to meet the demand and will then start manufacturing in India in a phased manner.When contacted a company spokesperson said the company is presently importing components from Taiwan and will be assembling them at a pilot facility in Noida, UP. The company plans to set up at least two manufacturing plants in the next 6-8 months with an initial investment of Rs.350 crore.
The ministry official said, during the meeting, the company confirmed that they have received payment for 30,000 handsets which has been parked in an escrow account.Ringing Bells had earlier said the amount (over Rs.75 lakh for 30,000 devices) has been deposited with the payment gateway as per guidelines and the company will claim payment only after submission of delivery proof.
Ringing Bells has started sending Payment Link to 1st 25 lakh registered users
Order confirmation
Read Everything related to Rs 251 smartphone here
Ringing Bells, have decided to offer “Cash on Delivery” terms vs the previous Offer of via “Payment Gateway” !!
By this, you, our esteemed Customer, will be required to make payment only when the phone is delivered to you.
We are in the process of compiling the emails and issuing these to first 25 Lacs registrations very soon.
Stay connected with us for more Tech News Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube