Nokia is adding another sales channel for its low-end handsets, becoming the first major handset vendor to supply devices directly to international MVNO Lebara.
Five of the Finnish vendor’s models – the 1616, 100, C1-01, C3-00 and 500 - are being rolled out by the operator, which offers low-cost international calls for migrant workers, in a deal covering a minimum of 100,000 devices. The first units will be available in the UK for £25 (€29) with £10 credit preloaded, and will reach Lebara’s other markets in the coming weeks.
Lebara chief executive and founder Yoganathan Ratheesan hailed the deal as a landmark for the firm, noting the collaboration signals “a new sales and distribution strategy for the organization.”
Victor Saeijs, Nokia’s European senior vice president of sales, said the deal will open the door to new markets in future “as Lebara extends its reach in its current markets and expands into other territories.”