Dell has reportedly confirmed its plans to enter the smartphone business. To this effect, Dell has entered into partnerships with China Mobile (News - Alert) and Claro in Brazil. China Mobile and Claro will be the first two supporting mobile operators to sell Dell Mini 3 smartphones.
The company’s entry into the smartphone category reflects its expansion into mobile internet products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators. Dell was the first mobile PC manufacturer to embed China Mobile’s 3G technology and services into its netbooks. This resulted in Dell becoming the leading seller of netbooks through retail outlets in China.
In addition Dell has existing agreements with other global telecom providers like Vodafone in Europe; AT&T (News - Alert) and Verizon in the U.S.; M1 and Starhub in Singapore, as well as Maxis in Malaysia.
According to Ron Garriques, president of the Dell Global Consumer Group, Dell’s entry into the smartphone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years. Dell is developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable customers to take their internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do at any location at any time.
Dell is planning to distribute its new Mini 3 smartphones through China Mobile and Claro. The initial Mini 3 smartphones are designed around the Android (News - Alert) platform to deliver power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and carriers.
A China Mobile spokesperson said that China Mobile is excited for Dell to be among the first manufacturers to introduce new technology based on the OPhone platform. China Mobile is the largest telecommunications company in the world. With more than 500 million customers, it has been listed among the Top Fortune 500 companies for 8 consecutive years.
Claro (News - Alert) serves more than 42 million people in Brazil as part of the America Movil network. Claro offers innovative content and services, in addition to digital infrastructure and coverage with GSM technology.
João Cox (News - Alert), Claro’s president, said Claro is proud of being the first wireless carrier in the world to offer the 3G version of Dell’s smartphone. This move confirms strength of the Brazilian market, as well as the position of Claro in introducing new technology products and services to the country.
