In a move targeting the rural subscribers of India, Bharti Airtel in collaboration with non-banking finance company SKS Microfinance, on Thursday launched a new scheme offering a handset worth Rs. 2,300 coupled with free SIM and affordable calling rates.

Forming a part of the company’s ‘Grameena Mobile Kranthi’ scheme, Airtel would provide SIMs and the network, and SKS in association with Nokia would provide the handsets.

Founder and CEO of SKS Microfinance Vikram Akula said the partnership would let members access information and connect better with markets and help improve their micro-enterprises and way of life. He said 50 per cent of the 24 lakh SKS members across 15 States would be first-time mobile users.

Initially the offer is launched for four branches of SKS Microfinance in Jogipet, Medak, Ramayampet and Siddipet and would later on be rolled out in all the branches in the State.