The Hindu Business Line : Target India: Vodafone launches low cost handsets

New Delhi May 21 Even before Vodafone makes its entry into the Indian mobile market, the UK-based company has launched its first branded entry-level handsets priced between $25 and $45. The Vodafone branded handset has been launched aimed at the emerging and developing markets such as India.

"The Vodafone 125 and Vodafone 225 are part of Vodafone's ongoing commitment to expand access to mobile in emerging markets, where mobile technology and networks are often the only viable and cost effective telecom service. The handsets are therefore key to offering a range of services, particularly in rural areas where mobile penetration is often at its lowest," said a press release.

Vodafone said that in markets such as India or Tanzania, the cost of purchasing a mobile handset could be one of the key barriers to accessing mobile services. "In countries such as Kenya and Egypt, where Vodafone has introduced mobile financial remittance services, mobile technology has been shown to be able to provide secure and socially beneficial services beyond simple voice and data services to those who have not access to a bank account. The Vodafone 125 and Vodafone 225 handsets are intended to help drive mobile penetration and will provide access to services for people in emerging markets that are already commonplace in Western Europe."

The handsets are a result of an agreement with Chinese handset manufacturer ZTE Corporation, signed between the two companies in December 2006. The handsets are almost identical in functionality, but the Vodafone 125 has a black and white screen, while the Vodafone 225 has a colour screen. Features, design and functionality were specified by Vodafone.

"The Vodafone 125 and Vodafone 225 are the first of a range of ultra-low cost handsets which will be manufactured exclusively for Vodafone and its affiliates by ZTE Corporation, "said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Vodafone's Global Director of Terminals.

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