For regions licensing a 450MHz frequency band, GSM technology can provide a cost conscious alternative and thus enable mobile communications for a broad consumer base in very price sensitive markets.
"Nokia believes that reducing the total cost of ownership for both affordable handsets and mobile voice services are the key when it comes to reaching the next billion consumers in new growth markets," says Søren Petersen, senior vice-president, Nokia Mobile Phones: "The GSM450 frequency can provide a way of giving consumers and operators a choice in taking full advantage of the affordability of GSM technology."
Nokia has previously stated it expects the mobile subscriber base to reach three billion by 2010. This growth will be significantly fuelled by markets which currently have a low mobile penetration rate. With the right combination of mobile phones, network solutions, services and a regulated environment, Nokia envisions a mobile landscape where operators can profitably offer mobile services to a broader range of consumers for as little as US$5 per month.
