'Huge scam in Freedom 251 mobile phone’, says BJP MP Kirit Somaiya

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New Delhi: The booking of Freedom 251, touted as world’s cheapest smartphone, has been closed today with the website promising of the resumption of services  within 24 hours.

The company’s website also claimed that it has received 6 lakh booking orders

However, BJP MP, Kirit Somaiya has raised doubts over the claims of the website saying that there is something fishy about it and added the company Ringing Bells (which has launched the cell phone) is registered only three months back.

“Huge scam in Freedom 251 mobile phone”, said BJP lawmaker Kirit Somaiya.

The Noida based start up took the world by surprise after it launched a Rs.251 (less than $4) “Made in India” smartphone that – if works well – will be a game changer.

The smartphone was slated to be available for online purchase from 6 AM today but the website crashed soon and it is yet to be ascertained that anyone has successfully placed the order.

According to the company, “Freedom 251” smartphone has been developed “with immense support” from the government.

“‘Freedom 251’ heralds a new era in the mobile handset and telecom industry from the end consumer perspective in India. Farmers would have access to real time weather forecast and soil conditions which will help them enhance their productivity and income,” Ringing Bells president Ashok Chadha said in a statement.

Freedom 251 is a SCAM? Beware before placing your order on freedom251.com!

"Indian Cellular Association has complained to Telecom Ministry to look into depth on claims made by company (Ringing Bell). Indian Cellular Association says minimum price for 3G phone is Rs 2700."

By shelly singh

mments

New Delhi, Feb 18: Freedom 251, the cheapest smartphone on the planet is out for sale. Noida-based manufacturer Ringing Bells’ are offering Rs 251 smartphone on their website freedom251.com. Gadget lovers, as well as, smartphone aspirants are rushing to the site to order the product at the unbelievable price. However, tech pundits opine that it could be a big scam, since such a smartphone with such considerable specifications could not be sold at such a meagre price, with whatsoever the amount of subsidy offered by the government. (ALSO READ: Freedom 251 buy online: Sale begins, how to order Rs 251 smartphone through Freedom251.com?)

Indian Cellular Association says minimum price for 3G phone is 2700rs not possible to offer phone at Rs 251. Company claims not sustainable.

According to veteran tech journalist Aseem Manchanda, even the set of headphone, usb charger amount up the price which the company claims they are charging for the entire phone set. “Indian Cellular Association has complained to Telecom Ministry to look into depth on claims made by company (Ringing Bell). Indian Cellular Association says minimum price for 3G phone is Rs 2700. It is not possible to offer phone at Rs 251,” he said.  (ALSO READ: Freedom 251 is rebranded version of Adcom Ikon 4; Chinese smartphone sold under ‘Make in India’ garb?)

Journalists present at the event sensed something fishy last evening since the sample phones handed over to journalists for assessment was a poorly rebranded version of Chinese smartphone Adcom Ikon 4. Whitener was pasted above the logo of Adcom before handing it over to the journalists.  (ALSO READ: Freedom 251 specifications: 10 features to know about the ‘Rs 251 smartphone’)

One should also recall the high-handed attitude shown by DataWind, the manufacturer of Aakash tablet. The gadget was made available at an extraordinary cheap price of Rs 2500. Nearly 40 lakh customers had booked the tablet. However, only 2.5 lakh units was manufactured by the company. Many of the customers were left unattended by the company after major logistical failure. (ALSO READ: Freedom 251 launched: Freedom251.com website users unable to book the smartphone & process payment request online)

It would be rather advisable to wait before you place your order based on the eyeball grabbing price.