Low Cost CDMA Handsets for Emerging Markets

Kyocera Wireless has launched two new low-cost CDMA mobile phones. With a rapidly-growing number of wireless users in cost-sensitive markets such as Asia, Africa and Latin America, the Kyocera K122 is an ultra-low-tier single-mode 800 MHz phone that allows carriers to offer a stylish, full-featured CDMA handset priced to compete against low-cost phones from GSM operators.

"In an increasingly competitive market at the lowest price points, the Kyocera K122 allows CDMA carriers to compete without sacrificing design appeal or functionality," said Lee Ittner, executive vice president of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Millions of people are on the verge of buying their first mobile phones, and this phone will allow those in emerging markets to not only afford a stylish new handset, but also to have a complete, satisfying user experience."

The Kyocera K122, available this autumn, is the first in a series of phones that Kyocera Wireless will announce over the coming months that address the rapidly growing and largely untapped demand in emerging CDMA markets. The Kyocera K132, an entry-tier phone, will also be available this fall for all international and domestic CDMA carriers.

Kyocera K122

The Kyocera K122 is a compact bar-style phone with an internal antenna, strong battery life and a large color-filtered grayscale display. Operating at 800 MHz and using CDMA2000 1xRTT technology, the K122 features SMS and a large, raised keypad for text messaging, as well as BREW 2.1 for downloading simple games, ringers, contacts and more. Productivity tools include an extensive contact directory, scheduler, alarm clock, and vibrating alert. Users will also enjoy pre-loaded games and MIDI/QELP ringtones.

The Kyocera K122 measures 104.5 mm x 46.8 mm x 16.5 mm, weighs 77.8 g and has CDMA talk time of up to 4.0 hours and CDMA standby time of up to 250 hours.

Kyocera K132

The Kyocera K132 is a dual-mode digital-only entry-tier flip phone with a progressive look for global CDMA markets. With an internal antenna and a large, 65,000-color display, the K132 also features a premium design with a soft-touch finish. It also includes a speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, vibrate alert, predictive text entry, WAP 2.0 and is BREW 2.1-capable for downloading simple games, ringtones, wallpapers and screensavers. Productivity tools include a scheduler, calculator, alarm clock, stopwatch, tip calculator, world clock and voice memos.

The Kyocera K132 measures 86.4 mm x 43.7 mm x 21.1 mm, weighs 93.6 g and has CDMA talk time of up to 3.7 hours and CDMA standby time of up to 180 hours."

Posted to the site on 14th September 2006