Google and Reliance partner to bundle 3G plans with all Android phones

Reliance Communication (RCom) and Google India have announced they have entered a two-year partnership, where all Google-endorsed Android phones (with the logo behind) sold in India in that period will come bundled with a 3G mobile connection from Reliance.

Consumers choosing to go ahead with the Reliance-Android bundled subscription offer, will get a data plan allowing 1GB of free downloads for the first six months. Of course, those who do not want a new connection, or a Reliance Communication connection, can always buy the device without the bundled offer.

Reliance Communication and Google will apparently be spending roughly Rs. 30-crore each on promoting the offer, with Reliance set to promote Android devices in general, and an online campaign by Google, supposed to show the green Android mascot turning Reliance Communication’s blue.

Google has had such deals in the past, in other countries, such as Telstra in Australia, and Verizon in the U.S. Of course, in India, the deal is slightly reminiscent of Apple’s tie-ups withAirtel and Aircel, or Idea and MTS offering ZTE devices – though Google is not the actual mobile manufacturer.

Industry analysts feel the RCom-Google partnership could be very beneficial for both companies, and will help give Reliance Communication more than 100,000 long-term subscribers in the two-year period. The company will also be trying to pitch itself as a premium network.