3GScottishUser
15th July 2005, 02:18 PM
From Mobile Today (15/07/2005):
Vodafone and 3 are placing major orders with handset manufacturers and lining up subsidies for a major push on 3G in the Christmas market, Mobile has learned.
Both operators are set to spearhead their drive with the 3G version of Motorolas RAZR, the V1150. Sources close to handset manufacturers say the two have committed to take up to 80% of Motorolas output in a bid to drive prices down. There are several good 3G handsets out there, but this one ticks all the boxes. Vodafone and 3 are putting in volume orders to get the build costs down, said a source.
Vodafone is set to be particularly aggressive. It will follow the example set by Japan, where 3G took off after handsets were subsidised to a level on a par with, or below, 2.5G phones. Theyve learned from last years mistakes. Vodafone will put a lot more subsidy into handsets, taking it out of 2.5G products, said the source.
Both operators are expected to have their own exclusive versions of the V1150. The slimline clamshell features a two-megapixel camera and a VGA camera for video calling and Bluetooth.
Initial orders for Christmas run into six figures, and further run-ons are expected early in the New Year.
However, it is possible that the manufacturer will be constrained by an expected shortage of 3G chipsets, which will be in demand the world over.
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/artman-test/publish/article_548.shtml
Vodafone and 3 are placing major orders with handset manufacturers and lining up subsidies for a major push on 3G in the Christmas market, Mobile has learned.
Both operators are set to spearhead their drive with the 3G version of Motorolas RAZR, the V1150. Sources close to handset manufacturers say the two have committed to take up to 80% of Motorolas output in a bid to drive prices down. There are several good 3G handsets out there, but this one ticks all the boxes. Vodafone and 3 are putting in volume orders to get the build costs down, said a source.
Vodafone is set to be particularly aggressive. It will follow the example set by Japan, where 3G took off after handsets were subsidised to a level on a par with, or below, 2.5G phones. Theyve learned from last years mistakes. Vodafone will put a lot more subsidy into handsets, taking it out of 2.5G products, said the source.
Both operators are expected to have their own exclusive versions of the V1150. The slimline clamshell features a two-megapixel camera and a VGA camera for video calling and Bluetooth.
Initial orders for Christmas run into six figures, and further run-ons are expected early in the New Year.
However, it is possible that the manufacturer will be constrained by an expected shortage of 3G chipsets, which will be in demand the world over.
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/artman-test/publish/article_548.shtml