Nokia finally enters dual-sim market
31-08-2010
Two handsets launched, including one costing Rs1999
Nokia announced its foray into the dual-SIM mobile phone segment with the launch of two new handsets. This market is at present the stomping ground of homegrown brands such as Micromax, Spice, Karbonn and Zen. Other multinational handset-makers like Samsung already have dual-SIM handsets in the market.
"Entry-level consumers need dual SIMs for various reasons, including economising time and costs, improving efficiency and for increased convenience. To address these consumer requirements, Nokia has launched these two devices that offer multiple SIM capabilities with a balanced feature set and relevant innovations at affordable price points," Nokia Executive Vice-President (Mobile Phones) Mary McDowell siad.
The two handsets - C1 and C2 - are the first two dual SIM handsets being launched, she added.
"The dual SIM market in India has taken off well, mainly due to the tariff war amongst telecom operators. People have more than one SIM to get benefits from various offers and hence the dual-SIM segment has grown. The segment is significant and we feel that it is the right time to enter this market," Nokia India Managing Director D Shivkumar told reporters here.
The Nokia C1 (C1-00), which is priced at Rs 1,999, comes equipped with flashlight and FM radio. It will have a 'call divert' feature to ensure that users don't miss a call from either of the two SIMs. However, the handset can only be used for voice and SMS.
The Nokia C2, which will be available later this year, will allow users to access services like Ovi Life Tools and Ovi Mail. It will also have a music player and support micro- SD cards of up to 32 GB capacity. Nokia's Ovi Life Tools provides users with a range of information covering healthcare, agriculture, education and entertainment.
Nokia announced its foray into the dual-SIM mobile phone segment with the launch of two new handsets. This market is at present the stomping ground of homegrown brands such as Micromax, Spice, Karbonn and Zen. Other multinational handset-makers like Samsung already have dual-SIM handsets in the market.
"Entry-level consumers need dual SIMs for various reasons, including economising time and costs, improving efficiency and for increased convenience. To address these consumer requirements, Nokia has launched these two devices that offer multiple SIM capabilities with a balanced feature set and relevant innovations at affordable price points," Nokia Executive Vice-President (Mobile Phones) Mary McDowell siad.
The two handsets - C1 and C2 - are the first two dual SIM handsets being launched, she added.
"The dual SIM market in India has taken off well, mainly due to the tariff war amongst telecom operators. People have more than one SIM to get benefits from various offers and hence the dual-SIM segment has grown. The segment is significant and we feel that it is the right time to enter this market," Nokia India Managing Director D Shivkumar told reporters here.
The Nokia C1 (C1-00), which is priced at Rs 1,999, comes equipped with flashlight and FM radio. It will have a 'call divert' feature to ensure that users don't miss a call from either of the two SIMs. However, the handset can only be used for voice and SMS.
The Nokia C2, which will be available later this year, will allow users to access services like Ovi Life Tools and Ovi Mail. It will also have a music player and support micro- SD cards of up to 32 GB capacity. Nokia's Ovi Life Tools provides users with a range of information covering healthcare, agriculture, education and entertainment.
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