“Our main goal is to replicate the system of a PC on a phone, with the help of Microsoft. Consumers are much more interested in social networks, such as Facebook, music, and news,” said Julien Ducarroz, Chief Commercial Officer Business to Consumer, the second man in Orange Romania’s hierarchy. The operator is thus consolidating its presence on the retail segment, especially through the HTC terminals, considering that the smartphone market has so far been driven by the appetite for technology of corporate clients.
Through the Panther 20 subscription, with a 24-month contract, Orange clients can buy the new HTC Touch 2 for €149, VAT included, while the HTC Touch Pro 2 and Toshiba TG01 models still cost €449 and €299, respectively, including VAT.
Orange clients who have already acquired the HTC Touch Pro 2 and Toshiba TG01 models will benefit from free upgrading to the latest Microsoft software version for mobile phones, Windows Mobile 6.5. For business users, Orange created a special offer for internet and mobile e-mail with the terminals in the Windows phone range. Thus, clients who buy the 24-month €6 option, VAT included, receive a monthly 50 MB of traffic and a €50 discount for the four models in the offer.
In the first half of 2010, the operator will launch Femtocell, a platform which combines data and voice services, that can be used by four to 16 users, both indoors and out.
Orange has already tested the platform, whose price will be similar to that of a wireless router, and the results were positive, according to Dorin Odiatiu, the operator’s Marketing Manager.
