Vodafone launches low cost handsets

Vodafone is launching two low-cost handsets as it ramps up its range of own-branded handsets.The Vodafone 227 and 228 will take its own branded range to nine.

The handsets will launch in Vodafone’s European and emerging markets this month. Own branded handsets currently make up one in six of the mobile devices shipped by Vodafone. The operator adds that it will look to enhance the appeal of its own-branded handset range by introducing “stronger brand style” guidelines for the handsets launching from the middle of this year.

Mobile operators have increasingly focused on own branded handsets. Last year rival O2 set up a dedicated team to develop marketing for a new range of own-branded mobile handsets.

Vodafone launched its range of own-brand handsets in September 2006. The Vodafone branded 710 was the first handset manufactured for the mobile giant by China’s Huawei Technologies. Huawei and Vodafone signed a strategic alliance in early 2006.

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