Nokia handsets for emerging markets — mobile phone sharing on the rise

Nokia has unveiled the 2600 classic and the 1209, two mobile handsets that offer useful features, range of colors or exchangeable covers for consumers in emerging markets. The Nokia 2600 classic, which will retail for 65 euros before taxes or subsidies, has begun shipping, ramping up in all key markets during the first quarter of 2008. The 1209 will become available globally during the second quarter of 2008 and will retail for 35 euros before taxes or subsidies.

The 2600 classic allows consumers to customize their phone with colourful, fully changeable Xpress-on covers and MP3 ring tones. It also features a number of entertainment features, including an FM radio and a VGA camera.

 

 Survey results: phone sharing in emerging markets on the rise

 

According to a recent Nokia survey of consumers in India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Vietnam, Russia and Egypt, a new trend appears to be emerging: phone sharing. More than 50% of respondents in India, Pakistan and nearly 30% in Vietnam indicate that they share, or would share, their mobile phone with family or friends – a figure which contrasts consumer behaviour in more mature markets.

Phone sharing is a logical trend – more and more families are buying a mobile phone for the entire family to use, not just the head of the household. In addition, digital cameras are quickly becoming more popular in these markets, and as such taking and sharing digital images is becoming more common, said the Nokia survey. “In response, Nokia has developed a number of innovative features like the multiple phonebook to support phone sharing, and we have added technologies like Bluetooth to some models to make transferring images and ringtones easy and affordable.”

The new 1209 offers additional cost management features to make phone sharing easy and convenient. Innovations include the pre-paid tracker, a cost-tracking application, and the multiple phonebook – which allows up to five people to store personal contact lists of up to two hundred numbers on a single phone.

Designed for first time buyers, the 1209 incorporates Nokia’s intuitive user interface, dust resistance, and offers up to 80 languages. It also has a one-piece key mat for durability and reliability.