IRVINE, Calif.-Hop-on Wireless Inc. said it has shipped an initial order of its tri-band (900/1800/1900 MHz) HOP1806 GSM handsets to a distributor in Karachi, Pakistan.
The compact handset, which features a colored screen, short message service messaging, predictive text input, a 200 entry phone book, speed dialing, buzzer and vibration call alerts, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery, retails for $140 on Hop-on’s Web site.
“Pakistan is a country with approximately half the population of the United States in an area slightly less than twice the size of California,” said Dan Gannon, chief executive officer of Hop-on. “With its low wireless penetration rate, there is potentially a significant opportunity to sell low-cost handsets in Pakistan, and we look forward to working with this customer to serve the Pakistani market.”
Reuters reported Wednesday that Pakistan’s pent-up wireless demand is beginning to be met with increasing competition and lower prices in the market. The country has four wireless carriers, and thousands of Pakistanis lined up for a free mobile-phone service offer this week through state-owned Ufone.
