Nokia expanding affordable phones and services to emerging markets

Posted on 04 November 2008 by Shawn Brown
Tags: Nokia, Nokia 7100 Supernova

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Today Nokia announced a range of affordable handsets along with a range of new services that are specifically geared at those in emerging markets. Several models will begin shipping in 2008 and be available in early 2009, with prices ranging from 25 to 90 EUR.

Nokia will first focus on offering email as well as agriculture and education in these emerging markets. Mail on Ovi enables many users to create their first internet identity (email) directly from the handset, without ever needing to access the internet from a computer. Mail on Ovi makes creating email very simple, a trial will be launched by the end of November 2008 in select markets. Nokia plans to have mail on Ovi to be shipping on every Nokia Series 40 device by the end of 2008.

Robert Anderson, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia, says, “The mobile device and the Internet are a powerful combination in connecting people with each other, accessing information, news, entertainment and sharing. By introducing products and services that are affordable, relevant and easy-to-use, we believe Nokia can fuel the growth of the Internet in emerging markets through mobility.”

Nokia Life Tools is a range of agricultural information and educational tools that are designed especially for rural and small towns in emerging markets. The purpose of Nokia Life Tools is to overcome the lack of information and provide farmers and students with relevant information. SMS is used to deliver critical information to ensure that this service works wherever a mobile phone does. Nokia plans to launch Nokia Life Tools in the first half of 2009 with the Nokia 2323 classic and Nokia 2330 classic as lead devices in India, later expanding it to other countries such as Asia and Africa in late 2009.

Nokia has seven new mobile phones to offer a range of features, styles and price points to support the range of mobile services in emerging markets. One of the phones that Nokia added to their portfolio is the Nokia 7100 Supernova. This stylish phone has a high resolution screen, FM radio and a 1.3 megapixel camera. The Nokia 7100 also supports Mail on Ovi as well as a browser for surfing the internet. This phone is expected to begin shipping late 2008 with an estimated retail price of 75 EUR.