FEVIN-RAJ 61 Report post Posted February 7, 2006 MP3, camera phone just @ Rs 2,000 RASHMI PRATAP TIMES NEWS NETWORK [TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2006 12:35:24 AM] MUMBAI: Mobile users may soon have a $45 (Rs 2,000) handset with an MP3 music player and a 1.3 megapixel camera. Qualcomm, the CDMA technology pioneer, is set to change the paradigm of entry-level mobiles, now restricted to voice and text messaging. The wireless giant has developed the Qualcomm Single Chip (QSC) family, which will offer affordable voice and basic multimedia solutions to multiple segments within the entry-level market in India. “Vendors are testing these chips and designing entry-level phones around them. The handsets are likely to be available in India by the end of ‘06 or the first quarter of ‘07,” Qualcomm senior director (strategic marketing) Clint McClellan told ET. Presently, the cheapest handset in India is monophonic and monochromic (black and white). It is priced at Rs 1,700 ($39) and offers only basic features. Within the entry-level segment, there will be three types of handsets. The QSC6010 voice-centric solution will deliver polyphonic ringtones, with optional 14.4 kbps data. The QSC6020 will enable data rates of up to 153 kbps and also support MP3 music player while the QSC6030 solution will have an integrated 1.3 megapixel camera besides other features. While McClellan refused to comment on the pricing of these handsets, industry sources said they could be in the range of $ 40-45. “We are creating these sub-tiers within the low-tier to bridge the digital divide. By offering voice as well as data capability, Qualcomm will not only help increase tele-density but also improve Internet penetration,” Qualcomm India and Saarc president Kanwalinder Singh said. The highlights of these handsets will be affordability, functionality, variety and form factor, he added. Qualcomm’s pre-certification lab in Hyderabad is testing the low-cost mobiles being developed by its handset partners to ensure that they meet the CDMA providers’ requirements. While OEMs take 6 months for testing, it can be done in just about a week in the lab. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ani_meher 42 Report post Posted February 7, 2006 That's great news. However there is one goof up: ...Presently, the cheapest handset in India is monophonic and monochromic (black and white). It is priced at Rs 1,700 ($39) and offers only basic features. My friend bought a Samsung slim which is polyphonic, at Rs.1700. Maybe they are talking about MRPs. These mobiles will be mostly Use n Throw - don't repair types, as the repair costs may be higher in comparison to the handset price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
@ksh@T 20 Report post Posted February 7, 2006 well when the vendors will test the chips and when the new models will arrive probably when GSM phones of that quality will be available in 1500....till then .... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theking 35 Report post Posted February 7, 2006 Great....first rim changed the mobile segment scenario and now this!!...if this is competition, does the company gain? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Honest 836 Report post Posted February 7, 2006 Very very nice information. It must be launched soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rohit Rocker 0 Report post Posted February 8, 2006 Ya, it will be launched Sooooooonnnn............ZZzzzzz......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
