Rumor: China Mobile to Sell RMB 100 TD-SCDMA Handset
Sohu IT, 5/29/12
The winning models in China Mobile's (NYSE: CHL; 0941.HK) Q2 2012 TD-SCDMA handset tender reportedly include two multimedia smartphones starting at RMB 900, as well as 2 feature phones priced over RMB 100 that are expect to be bundled with a RMB 199 per month calling plan; a CMMB TD-SCDMA mass-market smartphone costing under RMB 300; and two mass-market smartphones priced at RMB 400 and RMB 500.
The 6 mln unit tender will include 2.4 mln units of the latter three mass-market smartphone models, 1.6 mln units of the two multimedia smartphone models, and 2 mln units of the two feature phone models.
The low price point was one reason no overseas vendors participated in the tender, according to an industry source. A number of handset manufacturers previously said they were unable to bid due to the low price point, which also makes it difficult for TD-SCDMA chipmakers and handset design firms to profit from the order.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "Rumor: China Mobile Announces TD-SCDMA Handset Tender Winners" MD 5/28/12 issue.
Keywords: procurement China Mobile feature phone handset smartphone wireless CMMB CHL TD-SCDMA 0941.HK mobile phone TV pricing bundling handset model
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