Africa to get cheap Facebook phones

PCWorld reports.

The new phones are the Alcatel One Touch 585F, 813F and 908F. The latter smartphone is an Orange exclusive, and will be one of the most affordable Android smartphones available, according to the operator.

Orange claims this forms part of its strategy to provide access to mobile services such as Facebook to the widest possible range of customers, Mobile News says.

Orange senior VP of mobile multimedia and devices, Yves Maitre says: “Until now, many consumers across Africa and Europe have not had access to a phone that offers deep Facebook integration at an affordable price.”

These devices will be available in Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Niger, Reunion, Senegal, Tunisia and Uganda, StarAfrica states.

Orange says it has set out a clear strategy to increase its original design manufacturer portfolio, from 15% to 20%, in order to offer customers more choice across pre- and post-paid segments.