Cheap Phones For Developing Nations

from the fending-off-saturation... dept

Mon, Feb 14th 2005 9:40am — Mike Masnick

There's been a lot of talk lately about saturation in the mobile market -- whether valid or not. To deal with this, many in the industry are increasingly looking to emerging markets for expansion. However, there's one big problem: a large percentage of people in most emerging markets don't have very much money. In an attempt to deal with this issue, a bunch of handset makers, with Motorola leading the way, are making extremely cheap handsets that can wholesale at less than $40. Of course, some people may note that many mobile phones are being given out for free by carriers -- but those are obviously being subsidized. The question, though, is what additional features these phones will have, and how these cheaper phones are expected to be used.

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Anonymous Coward, 14 Feb 2005 @ 9:51am

Features?
Not to seem rude but ... what "additional features" did you have in mind? Developing countries with little money, remember? What "features" are really necessary beyond the ability to -make calls-?

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Johnny, 14 Feb 2005 @ 11:01am

Doesn't Mater...
How cheap the handsets are is of no concern if there is no infostructure (cell towers aren't going to be cheap any time soon) to utilize them. Besides, developing countries don't need to be spending their money on luxuries. And yes, contrary to what most 12 year olds say, a cell phone is a luxury.
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- Ask Bj�rn Hansen, 14 Feb 2005 @ 11:13am
  
  Re: Yes, does matter...
  Is phone service just a luxury?
  
  It's cheaper to cover areas with cell phone service than with regular copper lines if there are none now.
  
  - ask
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  - Maringa Manguyu, 14 Feb 2005 @ 11:34pm
    
    Re: Yes, does matter...
    Good point, in Kenya mobile phone lines are about 5 times more in number compared to fixed lines. I suspect that's true for a lot of developing countries.
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