CHINA Mobile is releasing mobile phones with its own brand, making it the first domestic carrier with own-brand strategy on mobile devices, the world’s biggest mobile carrier with 700 million users said today.

The two China Mobile-branded phones M701 and M601, which cost about 1,000 yuan (US$161) and 500 yuan respectively, target medium and entry-level markets. The carrier will sell them along with several own-branded data cards and portable power supply devices later this month in China Mobile’s outlets and online store. “

Top global carriers from Verizon, T-Mobile and Vodafone all have their branded mobile devices,” China Mobile said in a statement. “China Mobile aims to provide users with more customized and suitable hardware and software through the brand strategy.”

The own-brand phone will help China Mobile tap mobile Internet market through integrating chosen services in the devices, such as Siri-like voice assistant service provided by iFlytek, industry insiders said.

In 2012, China Mobile invested US$215 million to acquire a 15 percent stake of Anhui-based iFlytek.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)