Vodafone Announces Sub-$15 Cell Phone for Emerging Markets
Vodafone Announces Sub-$15 Cell Phone for Emerging Markets
Posted 02/15/2010 at 12:25pm
| by Paul Lilly
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They say talk is cheap, and thanks to Vodafone, it really is. We mean that literally - the handset maker today announced the release of a pair of ultra low-cost handsets -- Vodafone 150 and Vodafone 250 -- both of which are intended for emerging markets.
"The cost of mobile handsets can be one of the most significant barriers for people in accessing and benefiting from the growing number of socially valuable mobile services. The lives of people who use these phones will be changed and improved as they become part of the mobile society," said Patrick Chomet, Vodafone's Group Director of Terminals.
Vodafone says the 150 will retail unsubsidized for less than $15, while the 250 will cost less than $20. Both phones include a 5-way navigation key, voice and SMS, GSM 900/1800, polyphonic ringontes, vibration, alarm clock, calculator, 2 embedded games, and enough memory to store up to 100 phonebook entries (plus SMS storage). Where the 250 ups the ante over the 150 is in the former's 1.45-inch color screen with 128x128 pixels and FM support. The 150 sports a 1-inch monochrome display with 96x96 pixels and no FM radio.
Image Credit: Vodafone
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domih2009
February 16, 2010 at 10:28pm
You can go with a Motorola-V120e on eBay for the same price. Pros: has 2 less buttons than the vodafone :-)
I'm still using mine. It was the replacement for my previous phone, a Motorola MicroTAC...
aviaggio
February 15, 2010 at 2:10pm
The "significant barrier" is not the cost of the handset, it's the cost of the monthly service. Many pay-as-you-go providers offer low cost handsets, starting around $30 -- and they're a lot more modern than this dinosaur.
But the biggest issue is service. Just cause you can afford a $15, $20, or even $30 phone (a one-time cost) doesn't mean you can afford the $40+ monthly service. Find a way to offer a $10-$15 monthly service and you'll really be meeting the needs of the "emerging markets".
Lazar
February 15, 2010 at 3:11pm
Your idea is somewhat correct, but $40? lmao dont apply Canada and United States poor ass cellphone costs to other countries, even 3rd world countries have cheaper/better telephone and internet service than we do. Prepaid for $10 a month is viable in most European countries, assuming you dont make outgoing calls all of the time.
aviaggio
February 15, 2010 at 4:41pm
Well that's my point. The cost of service here is astronomical compared to other parts of the world. If you really want to bring mobile access to all you need to address the cost of service, not the handsets.
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