DataWind Expands Internet Delivery Platform to Nigeria Through Partnership With Airtel

MISSISSAUGA, ON--(Marketwired - Nov 18, 2015) - DataWind Inc. (TSX: DW), a leader in the delivery of Internet access in emerging markets, has partnered with Airtel Africa to provide low-cost mobile Internet access in Nigeria, marking DataWind's first expansion into Africa.

Airtel Africa is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel Limited, a leading global telecommunications provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Airtel Africa is one of the four major network operators in Nigeria, offering 3G coverage throughout most major cities and 2G in most rural areas of the country.

In Nigeria, 88 million or 48% of the total population of 185 million people are without Internet access. DataWind's Internet Delivery Platform represents a significant step forward in low-cost Internet connectivity, offering a compelling solution to bring the Internet to the unconnected. By using patented, cloud-based technology, Datawind's solution reduces bandwidth consumption by factors of over 10 to 30 times, resulting in an affordable, broadband-like Internet experience on any data network -- even on 2G networks that remain prevalent in developing countries.

DataWind intends to offer Internet access initially bundled with its low-cost tablet computers and smartphones, followed by the launch of a device-independent app that would provide the benefits of its breakthrough technology to the full universe of Android smartphone customers in Nigeria at a very affordable cost.

"This new partnership and our entry into Nigeria represent an additional new milestone for DataWind following our success in India," commented DataWind Chairman, Raja Tuli. "Partnering with Airtel to deliver Internet access demonstrates our continued ability to gain the support of major network operators."

"Now that we've established access to this market, we can focus on expanding our distribution channels across Nigeria. We are currently in discussions with a large retail chain and an online retailer, and expect to formalize these relationships over the next few months."

Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmed Mokhles expressed delight at the partnership. According to him, "Airtel is positioned to be the mobile Internet provider of first choice for Nigerians and we are excited to be in this partnership to empower more telecom consumers. Airtel is also passionate about driving affordable mobile Internet service across the nooks and cranny of the country."

About Airtel Africa
Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has African operations in: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

About Bharti Airtel Limited
Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. With headquarters in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top five mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G services, fixed line, high speed broadband through DSL, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G mobile services. Bharti Airtel had over 264 million customers across its operations at the end of July 2012. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com.

About DataWind
DataWind is a leader in providing affordable mobile Internet connectivity in emerging markets. The company's patented, cloud-based technology reduces up to 97% the amount of data needed for web browsing, providing a broadband experience on any network -- even on legacy 2G networks that are still prevalent in developing countries. DataWind also provides economical smartphones and tablets that come bundled with one year of unlimited Internet access, making it the largest tablet provider in India only behind Samsung. DataWind's unique solution offers broad social and economic benefits for the billions of people around the world for whom an Internet connection was previously out of reach. DataWind is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DW.TO). For more information visit www.datawind.com.

Forward-Looking Information
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