getti
28th September 2006, 09:34 AM
Vodafone launches first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer handset
Vodafone has today unveiled its first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer
handset, the Vodafone 710, which will see the mobile network operator
become a brand name in its own right in the consumer handset market.
The Vodafone 710's features, design and functionality were specified by
Vodafone to maximize customers' use of its services. It is the first
handset manufactured for Vodafone by China's Huawei Technologies as a
result of a strategic handset alliance signed by the two companies in
February 2006. The device is supported by the leading, industry
standard, Qualcomm chipset.
The handset is part of the company's strategy to leverage its
purchasing power with Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) to the
benefit of its customers and offers all the latest 3G consumer services
and a sleek, clamshell design at a new, low cost. The ODM-produced
handset range will enable Vodafone to meet its aim to develop mobile
phones that can match established, global handset brands on quality,
technology and on price, underpinned by the strength of the Vodafone
brand. The move will assist the uptake of 3G services, due to the
lower cost per handset and the fact that the Vodafone 710 will be
offered on prepay as well as contract, and will provide wide market
access to 3G.
The Vodafone 710 incorporates easy access to core Vodafone services
including Vodafone Radio DJ, Mobile TV, music downloads, video
telephony and Vodafone live! with 3G. In addition, the handset includes
an MP3 music player, a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth. The Vodafone
710 will be launched in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece,
Netherlands, Romania and Portugal from early October 2006.
Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone said:
"The Vodafone 710 is Vodafone's first own-branded 3G consumer handset,
and we are delighted that it represents everything that customers have
come to expect from Vodafone ? high level technologies and exceptional
value for money. We're proud that this phone carries only the Vodafone
name."
"Today's announcement supports Vodafone's commitment to drive 3G
penetration across our customer base and the fact the Vodafone 710 will
be available as prepay in many markets will help to achieve this. The
arrival of the Vodafone 710 illustrates how we're actively reducing
both costs and stimulating revenues through adding depth and choice to
the range of 3G consumer devices for our customers."
As part of Vodafone's intention to introduce further Vodafone-branded
handsets and devices to the market, the company has relocated part of
its terminals division from Japan to Hong Kong to spearhead the
sourcing of new devices and to negotiate contracts with Asian
manufacturers, aimed at bringing cutting-edge technologies to Vodafone
customers at market-beating prices.
Vodafone has today unveiled its first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer
handset, the Vodafone 710, which will see the mobile network operator
become a brand name in its own right in the consumer handset market.
The Vodafone 710's features, design and functionality were specified by
Vodafone to maximize customers' use of its services. It is the first
handset manufactured for Vodafone by China's Huawei Technologies as a
result of a strategic handset alliance signed by the two companies in
February 2006. The device is supported by the leading, industry
standard, Qualcomm chipset.
The handset is part of the company's strategy to leverage its
purchasing power with Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) to the
benefit of its customers and offers all the latest 3G consumer services
and a sleek, clamshell design at a new, low cost. The ODM-produced
handset range will enable Vodafone to meet its aim to develop mobile
phones that can match established, global handset brands on quality,
technology and on price, underpinned by the strength of the Vodafone
brand. The move will assist the uptake of 3G services, due to the
lower cost per handset and the fact that the Vodafone 710 will be
offered on prepay as well as contract, and will provide wide market
access to 3G.
The Vodafone 710 incorporates easy access to core Vodafone services
including Vodafone Radio DJ, Mobile TV, music downloads, video
telephony and Vodafone live! with 3G. In addition, the handset includes
an MP3 music player, a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth. The Vodafone
710 will be launched in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece,
Netherlands, Romania and Portugal from early October 2006.
Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone said:
"The Vodafone 710 is Vodafone's first own-branded 3G consumer handset,
and we are delighted that it represents everything that customers have
come to expect from Vodafone ? high level technologies and exceptional
value for money. We're proud that this phone carries only the Vodafone
name."
"Today's announcement supports Vodafone's commitment to drive 3G
penetration across our customer base and the fact the Vodafone 710 will
be available as prepay in many markets will help to achieve this. The
arrival of the Vodafone 710 illustrates how we're actively reducing
both costs and stimulating revenues through adding depth and choice to
the range of 3G consumer devices for our customers."
As part of Vodafone's intention to introduce further Vodafone-branded
handsets and devices to the market, the company has relocated part of
its terminals division from Japan to Hong Kong to spearhead the
sourcing of new devices and to negotiate contracts with Asian
manufacturers, aimed at bringing cutting-edge technologies to Vodafone
customers at market-beating prices.