Nokia targets 1 billion new mobile entrants with two new products

McDowell

By Prince Osuagwu (who was in Nairobi, Kenya)

Frontline mobile phone makers, Nokia, at the weekend announced that it was targeting to use the next few years to connect the next one billion people that are yet to be connected to  mobile communications.
To achieve that, the company also at the weekend, launched two mobile devices, the Nokia 100 and Nokia 101, which it said were strategically designed to be affordable to enable the new entrants migrate effortlessly onto the growing mobile world.
The products which were unveiled at the Serena Hotels, Nairobi Kenya, according to Nokia, were also built with relevant smart applications and are targeted towards the emerging markets where most of these one billion new entrants live.
Unveiling the new products, Nokia’s Executive Vice President, Mobile Phones, Mary McDowell said that “We recognize that for many of the next billion people, a phone purchase is an investment. People are looking for a phone that offers great features but also one that is dependable,”.
“The launch was in continuing with Nokia’s commitment to connecting the next billion consumers with mobile devices that offer modern, attractive designs, a range of practical and fun features, and services that extend the value of the phone with access to information and entertainment”.
According to her, “the Nokia 101 is Nokia’s fifth dual SIM device in the last three months and is the most affordable to date. The dual SIM functionality enables users to connect to two different networks to receive calls and messages while the Nokia SIM manager allows users to select which SIM card to use to make a call or send a text message”.

Nokia 100

She also described the Nokia 100 as “perfect device for people looking for durability and simplicity as well as affordability when making calls and sending text messages. The Nokia 100 is Nokia’s most affordable colour display phone, and people can enjoy its new attractive grid-based menu system with fun and easy-to-read icons. Furthermore, the Nokia 100 features an FM radio, enabling users to tune into their favorite music stations, whether on-the-go or at home.
Both the Nokia 101 and Nokia 100 offer Nokia Life Tools and Nokia Money which provide instant access to locally-relevant information on healthcare, education, agriculture and entertainment.
Nokia said that the Nokia 101 will be available in the third quarter of 2011 while the Nokia 100 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Nokia 101