Dell today confirmed plans to enter the smart phone business and announced partnerships with two of the world’s largest mobile operators.
Dell plans to distribute its new Mini 3 smart phones through China Mobile, the largest telecommunications company in the world with more than 500 million customers, and Claro, which serves more than 42 million people in Brazil as part of the America Movil network.
Entry into the smart phone category reflects Dell’s continued expansion into mobile internet products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators. Earlier this year Dell was the first mobile PC manufacturer to embed China Mobile’s 3G technology and services into its netbooks and quickly became the leading seller of netbooks through retail outlets in China. In addition Dell has existing agreements with other leading global telecom providers, including Vodafone in Europe; Australia/New Zealand, AT&T and Verizon in the U.S.; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; and Maxis in Malaysia, creating more opportunities to meet the needs of a connected lifestyle.
“Our entry into the smart phone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” said Ron Garriques, President, Dell Global Consumer Group. “We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want.“
“This signals an important milestone in the long term partnership between China Mobile and Dell,” said a China Mobile spokesperson. “We are excited for Dell to be among the first manufacturers to introduce new technology based on the OPhone platform. We look forward to working with Dell as it brings innovative new products and services to add value to our customers’ lives.”
“As a leading innovation company in Brazil, Claro is proud of being the first wireless carrier in the world offering the 3G version of Dell’s smart phone. This confirms the Brazilian market strength and Claro as a leading actor in introducing new technology products and services to the country”, said João Cox, president for Claro.
The initial Mini 3 smart phones are designed around the Android platform to best deliver power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and carriers.
Dell’s Mini 3 smart phones reflect the elegant look and style that demonstrates Dell’s commitment to design innovation. Details of phone models will be announced on a partner-by-partner basis when devices are available in stores, anticipated in late November for China Mobile and year’s end for Claro.
About Dell
People worldwide can buy Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) online, by phone and through more than 43,000 stores.
About China Mobile
Officially established on April 20th, 2000, China Mobile Communications Corporation (“China Mobile” for short) has a registered capital of RMB 51.8 billion and assets of over RMB 700 billion. China Mobile has been playing a leading role in the development of the mobile communications industry in China and holds an important position in the international arena as well. Listed among the Top Fortune 500 companies for 8 consecutive years, China Mobile's latest ranking is No.148; China Mobile was also a partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
About Claro
Claro is a leading wireless carrier in Brazil. Founded in September 2003, it operates nationally and currently serves more than 42 million customers.
In November 2007, Claro initiated its operation of third generation services (3G). Actually, Claro 3G is already available to a potential market of more than 100 million people in more than 380 cities, markets where mobile broad band and video calling, amongst other services, have already been made available.
Claro is a leader in the offering of innovative content and services, in addition to digital infrastructure and coverage with GSM technology. The carrier has roaming agreements in 160 countries for voice services and 130 countries for data services. Together, these operators are responsible for 90% of the worldwide voice traffic.
Claro is controlled by América Móvil, one of the five largest wireless telecommunications groups in the world, with more than 194 million clients worldwide in 18 countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Uruguay, in addition to Brazil). Founded in Brazil, the brand “Claro” has now been adopted by América Móvil carriers in 13 other Latin America countries.