MobilityTechzone

Latest News

TMCNet: Strategy Analytics: Cheap Mobile Phones Aren't the Whole Story in Emerging Markets; Even Low Income Mobile Users Want Cameras, MP3, Brand Names

[August 30, 2010]

Strategy Analytics: Cheap Mobile Phones Aren't the Whole Story in Emerging Markets; Even Low Income Mobile Users Want Cameras, MP3, Brand Names

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Boston, MA -- In depth interviews with low-income first-time mobile phone owners in Manila show that basic no-frills phones will meet the needs of some emerging market consumers, but others want more features - and will pay for them. "Voices of the Next Billion: Mobile Adoption at the Bottom of the Pyramid," a new report from the Strategy Analytics Emerging Markets Communications Strategies service (EMCS), introduces a set of consumers for whom the ultra low cost handset (ULCH) is not necessarily the only viable offering, despite limited spending power.

With household incomes of $200 a month or less, these consumers fall well below the median for metropolitan Manila. "They obviously do not have a lot of money to spare," notes Tom Elliott, Director of EMCS and author of the study. "But if they want an international brand or a phone with a camera to take pictures of their children, they will find a way to get one." Buying second-hand phones or using informal installment payment plans are two reported ways to bring phone costs down to an acceptable level.

"Low income consumers in developing countries may not be good candidates for smartphones, but it would be a mistake to think that they are not prospects for 'affordable luxury' features like MP3 players and megapixel cameras," according to Kevin Nolan, Vice President of the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice, who advised on this research.

About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides timely and actionable market intelligence focused on opportunities and disruptive forces in the areas of Automotive Electronics and Entertainment, Broadband Connected Home, Mobile & Wireless Intelligent Systems and Virtual Worlds. Headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, S. Korea and China, Strategy Analytics works with clients through annual multi-client services, management team workshops and custom consulting engagements. For more information, please visit www.strategyanalytics.com/ ((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)) (c) 2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

[ Back To MobilityTechzone Homepage's Homepage ]
FOLLOW MobilityTechzone

Subscribe to MobilityTechzone eNews

MobilityTechzone eNews delivers the latest news impacting technology in the Wireless industry each week. Sign up to receive FREE breaking news today!
FREE eNewsletter
Interview with VPI Systems
TMC's Rich Tehrani speaks with Russ Green, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for VPI Systems
Interview with Thrupoint
TMC's Paula Bernier speaks with David Jodoin, Chief Strategy Officer for Thrupoint
Interview with Nuance
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Christy Clark Murfitt, Sr Manager of Solutions Mktg, Enterprise Division for Nuance
Interview with Abukai
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Philipp Schloter, President & CEO of Abukai
Interview with DragonWave
TMC’s Stefanie Mosca speaks with Greg Friesen, VP, Product Management of DragonWave