Motorola`s supply of low-cost handsets to the emerging market is well under way, says Stephen Nolan, the company`s country manager for sub-Saharan Africa.
The C-range, which includes C117, C118, C118v, C113, C113a, C168, C139 and C261 handsets, is available through all local network operators.
Nolan announced in December at the GSM Africa conference in Cape Town that an initial volume of six million handsets in six months would be shipped to Africa, starting from January 2006.
This is part of a GSM Association programme to advance social and economic development of emerging markets through mobile communications. Motorola was awarded the tender for the second phase of the programme in September.
Ten operators in emerging markets, including MTN and Vodacom, are taking part in the programme.
Phuthuma Nhleko, CEO of the MTN Group, says the initiative has resonance with MTN`s commitment to increase access to ICT through introducing products and services that are affordable. He notes that handset costs have proven to be a barrier to entry for prospective customers.
"The introduction of an ultra-low-cost handset will significantly contribute to making mobile communications access increasingly affordable," he says.
One of the key challenges in the project was ensuring African countries come to the party. In a white paper about providing handsets to Africa, titled "Creating an affordable platform for African prosperity", Motorola notes that mobile phones are often the top source of tax revenue for developing countries.
Many also impose custom duties on imported phones. Two examples are Ghana, which charges 33%, and Uganda, which charges 27%.
The issue of affordability of the handset was also an issue. The GSM Association contract invited bidders to supply handsets for less than $40 (about R240) each.
Vodacom had not provided comment at the time of publication.
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