Orange Launches Widest Range of Exclusive Affordable Phones With Dedicated Facebook(R) Functionality in Africa and Europe
PARIS and LONDON, November 16, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Three new phones with deep Facebook integration and
dedicated 'F' key available in Africa and Europe from Q4 2011 - offering
the widest portfolio of affordable phones with deep Facebook
functionality launched by an operator to date
- Orange is bringing simple, affordable, social phones for under
EUR100 to a broader range of customers in more than 15 countries*
- The new range includes the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 908F Android
smartphone, one of the most affordable Android smartphones available,
exclusive to Orange
Orange will exclusively launch three new affordable phones with deep
Facebook integration across Africa and Europe from Q4 2011, creating a
swift, simple, cost effective social experience for more of Orange's
customers than ever before.
With access to the widest range of phones with Facebook built-in under
EUR100, including the new ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 908F Android smartphone, Orange
customers can choose the phone best suited to their needs. Facebook's social
capabilities run through every feature of these phones, from the camera to
contacts with the dedicated 'F' key allowing instant uploading and
interaction. Orange customers can also purchase these handsets with
affordable bundles and tariffs that include unlimited Facebook access
without extra data charges.
This announcement forms part of Orange's strategy to help customers get
more from their digital lives and provide access to mobile services such as
Facebook to the widest possible range of customers. At a more affordable
price point than previously available, with bundles and tariffs to match,
these handsets will make mobile Facebook access richer and more widely
available for the first time for some customers.
"The rise of the smartphone and the explosion of social networks have
completely changed how people keep in touch and share content. Until now
many consumers across Africa and Europe have not had access to a phone that
offers deep Facebook integration at an affordable price," said Yves Maitre,
Senior Vice President of Mobile Multimedia and Devices, Orange. "We feel
strongly that it is Orange's role to enable customers to enjoy a digitally
rich, connected life and this and future work with Facebook and ALCATEL ONE
TOUCH will allow us to open up mobile social media access to even more of
our customers."
"Orange and Facebook have a common goal of providing mobile social
access to people throughout Europe and Africa," said Henri Moissinac, Head
of Mobile Business at Facebook. "These phones and our ongoing collaboration
with Orange will offer an opportunity for people to easily connect and share
with their friends on Facebook anytime, anywhere and, for some, experience
the mobile web for the first time."
Orange has set out a clear strategy to increase its original design
manufacturer portfolio from 15 to 20 per cent in order to offer customers
more choice across pre-pay and post-pay segments. By growing the portfolio
with partnerships such as this, Orange is able to provide customers with
high quality, affordable handsets packed with intuitive, useful and unique
services and features.
Phones from this initial range will be available in more than 15
countries, with Romania and Poland launching by the end of 2011, and more
countries launching the handsets throughout 2012.
The range consists of three phones that make it easy for customers to
post and tag photos, comment on a friend's wall and sync Facebook friends to
their address book. The phones are the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 585F, ONE TOUCH
813F, and ONE TOUCH 908F (Orange Vancouver in Romania).
"ALCATEL ONE TOUCH commits to expand our smart phone product portfolio
to enrich people's life with advanced features. We are proud to be working
with Orange and Facebook to deliver the first range of phones as a result of
this partnership," said Dr. George Guo, CEO of TCL Communication Technology,
which uses ALCATEL ONE TOUCH as one of its brands. "These exclusive phones
offer a fantastic integrated social networking experience and dedicated 'f'
key for instant access and uploading, combining quality and affordability
for Orange customers."
*Notes to editors:
These devices will be available in Armenia, Botswana, Cameroon, France,
Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Niger, Poland, Reunion,
Romania, Senegal, Spain, Tunisia and Uganda. Exact launch dates will be
announced locally at a later date, as may further countries.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A)
and on the New York Stock Exchange.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this
material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited, Orange France or
France Telecom.
Source: Orange
Orange Media Contacts: Jeff Sharpe +44-7887-620-901 jeff.sharpe@orange.com