In its ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide, Nokia today introduced a range of affordable mobile devices specifically for people in Pakistan. In addition to Nokia ’s lowest cost handset to date, as well as its first handset for Pakistan market with an integrated digital music player.
Speaking at the occasion, Marko Keskinen, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Industry Marketing at Nokia said “ Nokia is well aware of the needs of emerging markets and we are executing a strategy to provide exceptional quality products and services to our consumers. Wider industry collaboration among vendors, service providers and regulators enables affordable mobile communication. In the past five years we have been creating efficiencies to bring the cost of mobile devices lower but due to taxation and duties we have not been able to bring the total cost of ownership to a level affordable for lower income consumers.”
“In 2002, Nokia unveiled a strategy to lower the cost of owning and operating a mobile phone and to bring the benefits of mobile telephony to people in emerging markets. Today, we are expanding that vision by introducing a number of devices that aim to bring the power of the Internet to these markets as well,” says Imran Khalid Mahmood, Country GM Pakistan, Nokia “we believe that our entry portfolio is for everyone who wish to get connected via basic voice communication while on the go. The mobile device and the Internet are a powerful combination in connecting people with each other, accessingin formation, news, entertainment and sharing. By introducing products that are affordable, relevant and easy-to-use, we believe Nokia can fuel the growth of the Internet in Pakistan through mobility.”
Nokia announced four new mobile devices which will come in Pakistan in early 2009. These devices offer a range of features, styles and price points to support Pakistani consumers to connect with convenience. These products include:
With dedicated music keys, a digital music player, FM radio and a standard 3.5 mm connector for headphones, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is Nokia ’s most affordable music phone to date. Equipped with an integrated 2 mega pixel camera, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic also supports image sharing through Share on Ovi, as well as the Mail on Ovi email service. The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009
Style and fun coupled together in the Nokia 5030 XpressMusic device, equipped with radio design with fun colors and internal FM antenna, Instant access with one-touch radio, key and +/- channel selection keys, excellent loudspeaker audio quality. It comes with the exciting feature to wake up to your favorite radio programme, Large 1.8″ 128X160 TFT Colour display, EGSM 900/1800 and GSM850/1900.  Other features include, long playing time with long-life battery, 500 phonebook contacts, picture messaging, concatenated SMS for long text messages.
The Nokia 1202 and Nokia 1661 offer exceptional value from a brand that represents quality and trust. The Nokia 1202 is Nokia ’s lowest cost mobile device to date. Developed specifically for people in rural areas, the Nokia 1202 includes standard features like a flashlight, extended battery life, loud ring tones and a phone book for up to five users.
The Nokia 1661 is Nokia ’s lowest cost color phone including an FM radio and a large color screen. The Nokia 1661 also supports flashlight, loud ring tones and multiple phonebooks.