Towards 2bn connections with cheap mobiles.
The FT (14 Feb 2004, p. 9) reports that Motorola, in conjunction with the GSM Association, has developed a sub-US$40 handset. The project was started by nine mainly Asian operators and has a target of 6m handset sales in six months.
"The GSMA [...] estimates that the C117 will open mobile phone ownership to more than 700m new customers in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa if it can ultimately bring the price below US$30".
The next steps are to address the tax on imports of mobile phones in some countries. As mobiles are seen as luxury goods, the taxes are often high.
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