Bracing itself for the competition from other mobile handset operating system providers such as BlackBerry, Symbian and particularly Google’s Android and therefore to increase uptake of its operating system in the Indian market, Microsoft today announced a unique tie-up with Reliance Communications (RCom) targeted specifically towards users of Windows Mobile.

Reliance Communications subscribers will now be offered services such as push email, support, chat, photo-sharing, content back-up and other applications as part of Windows Mobile services. These services will be available both to prepaid and postpaid subscribers on GSM as well as CDMA platform.

RCom has also introduced a special data plan offering monthly data download of 200MB for Rs 95 per month.

Commenting on the tie-up, Mr Vrajesh Shelat, Head Wireless Data Business said, “Our tie-up with Microsoft is part of our overall strategy to strengthen our market share in the fast growing Smartphone segment.  By offering the Windows Mobile Solution, we will be able to address a wider customer base in this segment.  This special data plan for Windows Mobile for post-paid and pre-paid users on Reliance Mobile GSM and CDMA networks will ensure that price is no longer a barrier for premium data services.”

Mr. Amajit Gupta, Director – Communications and Media Segment, Microsoft India said, “This is a one of kind partnership between Reliance Communications and Microsoft that underscores the importance of the mobile software in delivering an unmatched user experience. Windows Mobile is India’s leading smartphone platform and this unique partnership will help ensure that more customers can access Windows Mobile solutions at very attractive prices.”