NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 3 – Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia has unveiled four new handset models, which target the low-end market.
The latest C-series mobile phones target mostly those in rural areas with features such as 16-hours talk time, internet connectivity and dual SIM capabilities.
Nokia Head of Africa Brad Brockhaug said the new phones aim to bring convenience to customers while offering the best value for their money.
“This is about changing people’s lives and it is not just about a device. You’ve got to have something on that device that is convenient for people whether it’s voice, SMS or data,” Mr Brockhaug said.
Nokia is the highest selling phone in Middle East and Africa, and has been the most appealing phone in most emerging markets.
Its dominance has however come under threat from counterfeits and other cheaper alternatives especially from China. The introduction of the C-series phones is seen as one of the ways of countering this threat.
“We believe in value for money. All of our phones have that quality and service promise to last for a long time,” Rick Simonson, Executive Vice President for Nokia, said.
Two of the new phones (C1-00, and C2) will be twin SIM enabled bringing convenience of changing between mobile networks.
The phones will be available in Kenya in the fourth quarter of the year and will retail between 30 euros (Sh3000) and 45 euros (Sh4500) excluding taxes.
During the launch, Nokia also unveiled a bicycle-operated charger targeting consumers with limited access to electricity and is also compatible with most Nokia handsets.
“Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing,” Mr Brockhaug said.
The new phones are expected to provide an alternative entry point for new mobile phone users and create a lasting relationship with the Nokia brand.
