DataWind expands to Indonesia with MeraNet Browsing App

DataWind has forayed into the Indonesian market by launching its patented browser Meranet in Jakarta. The Meranet browsing app brings large benefits consumers, as they will be able to download the app at a one-time price of Rp.99,000 only (Rs.471; $7.32), and get unlimited browsing privilege, for a period of one year.

DataWind has partnered with Datami, the leading provider of brand sponsored data solutions, to provide unlimited data-free browsing on its app through mobile networks Telkomsel and Hutchison 3. Customers can use the Meranet browser on these networks data-free, without using up their data plans. The launch marks the first time that full-scale brand sponsored data—a highly effective consumer engagement mechanism has been made available from a brand wishing to engage Indonesian mobile users via Datami’s platform.

The technology used in Meranet accelerates the delivery of web-content across wireless networks and reduces data consumption. The company has revealed that its web-delivery platform reduces bandwidth consumption by creating a parallel processing environment, which shifts the burden of memory and processing power to back-end servers. This feature allows users to access the web at lower data costs, which will be very advantageous for those who are cautious of billing, such as students, excessive Internet users, low-cost devices users, or people who live in rural areas.

With access to billions of web pages, at no additional cost, users can take advantage of content for both education and entertainment. The web is the most powerful tool for commerce, education, allowing users to make travel bookings, make purchase from ecommerce sites or even promote their own businesses and conduct transactions. Even endless forms of communications can be conducted on the free access delivered by DataWind, including access to e-mail and social networking sites.

Speaking on the same, Rupinder Singh, Head – Asia-Pacific, DataWind, said, “Internet access has now become a very vital part of our lives, but the rising data cost is limiting us from this vital resource. “Our aim is to break that affordability barrier. Partnering with Datami, Telkomsel, and Hutchison 3 to sponsor the data of our innovative Meranet app will allow us to offer our services to around 210 million users helping us achieve that aim and provide unprecedented access to the Internet for many Indonesians,” he added.

“We are excited to partner with DataWind to offer brand-sponsored browsing on the Meranet app to our customers,” said Harris Wijaya, VP (Digital Advertising and Analytics), Telkomsel. “We are committed to delivering high-quality connectivity to our customers and see brand sponsored data as an impactful means to help even more consumers access information on our networks.”

Users will also have convenience, as DataWind will provide support centre for its customers.