MTN South Africa has become the first operator on the continent to release a Firefox OS-based smartphone using the latest version of the operating system.
Firefox handsets are available in 28 countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America. In the middle of December, the OS maker said the devices would "soon" launch in Africa with three new key partners: Airtel, MTN South Africa and Tigo, operated by Millicom.
MTN SA says the Alcatel OneTouch Fire E smartphone is immediately available and represents its commitment to provide its customers with the "widest range of smart devices designed to fit every budget and requirement".
Larry Annetts, chief marketing officer at MTN SA, says: "Having a smartphone based on the Firefox operating system means we can deliver numerous unique product innovations. For example, the phone can be easily set up for four of the 11 official languages, namely English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and Xhosa.
"MTN will incorporate other languages in future versions of the phone. This means our customers can choose the language they are most comfortable with and get a more naturally appealing connected experience," adds Annetts.
Firefox OS is the first mobile OS powered completely by Web technologies.
Mozilla president Li Gong adds Firefox OS was built as part of Mozilla's mission to put the power of the Web in people's hands. "We are excited to see MTN launching the first Firefox OS devices in South Africa, enabling millions more people to access the mobile Web at an affordable cost."
The Alcatel One Touch Fire E is available at selected MTN outlets on prepaid and contract for R89 per month on the MTN MyChoice 25 package.
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