Russian-backed CDMA provider Sistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL), which offers services under the MTS India brand, has announced plans to launch a range of smartphones compatible with the cellco’s 3G network in December this year, the Hindu reports. The handsets will be available for between INR5,000 and INR20,000 (USD81.58 and USD326.34) and will use Android version 4.1 and above. SSTL’s CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev B Phase II network, marketed by the cellco as ‘3G Plus’, is currently accessible via its MBlaze Ultra dongle.
In related news, SSTL has entered into talks with Indian manufacturer Micromax with a view to bundling devices with certain packages, with the price of the handset cross-subsidised by data offerings. The operator expects such deals to be available early next year.