Eyeing the upper crust of the ultra low cost (ULC) segment, ICE Mobile Network Systems Limited, which has tied up with TCT Mobile Limited for co-branding and marketing of 'Alcatel ICE3' mobile handsets, is planning to launch the product in Gujarat. While the company will be offering single model as of now, by November 2010 ICE Mobile plans to introduce five more models in the price range of Rs 6,500 and above.
"We wanted to hit the market with quality products in the mobile phones segment. Hence, we tied up with Alcatel which is known for quality equipment around the world in telecom market. Under a co-branding tie-up, ICE Mobile will be marketing Alcatel manufactured and designed mobile handsets in India. While we have launched in Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat with single models, we plan to roll out five more models by November 2010," said Mohinder Singh Malik, managing director of ICE Mobile Network Systems Limited.
Launched at a starting price of Rs 6,500, the 'Alcatel ICE3 OT 808' model comprises of functions like QWERTY keyboard, instant messaging, e-mail POP3, IMAP4 and access to social networks, enabling multi instant messaging (IM) clients and social networking services.
Talking about the target, Malik said that the company is aiming at selling around 35,000-40,000 handsets in the state of Gujarat by December 2010. "While by this June we will be closing at 3,000 handsets in Gujarat with one model, by end of the calendar year we hope to take the number to around 35,000-40,000 handsets with the roll out of five more models," he added.
While TCT Mobile Limited, which was established in August 2004 by TCL Communication and Alcatel, manages two brands, namely TCL and ALCATEL mobile phones globally, ICE Mobile Network Systems Limited holds 25 years of experience in Indian market with a wide product line and distribution network for fixed wireless phones, data cards, reverse logistics and mobile phones.
