Coronavirus pandemic aka CONVID-19 has forced everyone to stay locked inside their homes. Businesses also have been hit hard as their revenue streams have dried overnight. Smartphone and Telecom industries are also facing the brunt of shut down. as an abrupt halt in manufacturing and assembly lines have forced brands to postpone launches.
In these testing times, the smartphone industry has registered a 38-percent drop in sales globally (as per Strategy Analytics). In India, e-commerce giants – Amazon, Flipkart, and others have temporarily stopped taking orders.
All major smartphone manufacturers including Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, OPPO, Lenovo, and Realme have already pulled shutters down on their India facilities and are playing their part in fighting the pandemic.
The good news is that many smartphone and telecom giants have stepped up with Corporate social responsibility and are walking the extra mile in helping the government fight against the Coronavirus epidemic.
COVID19: Initiatives taken by Telecom and Smartphone brands in India
Asus
ASUS has announced an extension of warranty support for all Smartphones, Laptops, Desktops, All in one, and Tablets whose warranty has expired during the lockdown period between March 25, 2020 and April 14, 2020 for a period of 30 days.
Reliance Jio
Under its #CoronaHaaregaIndiaJeetega initiative, Jio is offering basic JioFiber broadband connectivity without charging anything for its services. These services depend on geographical feasibility.
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Jio is also offering double data on add-on vouchers and top-ups. The company has promised to keep its mobility and fiber services up and running at all times.
Reliance has also announced a contribution of Rs. 5 crores to Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Reliance Industries teamed up with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to setup up India’s first COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Mumbai.
In an official statement, the company also stated that it will pay twice to employees who earn below ₹30,000 during this tough phase.
Apart from Jio, phone manufacturers Xiaomi and Vivo have also pledged to offer essential masks and gears for the health workers.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi, which is currently the number one phone brand as per IDC 2019 report, has come forward to support doctors, paramedics and hospital staff with masks and hazmat suits.
Xiaomi is donating lakhs of N95 masks to govt. & hospitals.
Xiaomi has also postponed the launch of its Mi 10 smartphone which was scheduled for March 31.
Vivo
Vivo India has also stepped up with its efforts to help society fight COVID19. Vivo India tweeted pictures on twitter that mark distribution of over one lakh masks to healthcare Professionals in Maharashtra, which is the most affected state in India so far.
Like Xiaomi, Vivo also has suspended all new product launches, including the Vivo V19.
Huami Amazfit
Huami – wearable brand which launches Amazfit smartwatches, also chipping in with its mask donation drive through WhatsApp. People can contribute high-quality N95 masks & protective suits to AIIMS New Delhi & Manipal Hospitals by contacting +91-85954 38550 on Whatsapp.
At a time when authorities and brands have stepped up in their efforts in this fight against COVID19, it is also the responsibility of every citizen to take precautions and follow the guidelines issued by the authorities. Smartprix urges everyone to stay home and follow social distancing.
