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Nokia 1616 coming to T-Mobile USA prepaid?
Now, we know what you're thinking: "this FCC filing is probably just for the preexisting Nokia 1616 that's already launched on T-Mobile UK." Actually, what you're really thinking is "I couldn't possibly care less what this is." Be that as it may, we have reason to believe that Espoo's ultra low-end candybar -- announced late last year -- is on its way to T-Mobile USA this time featuring a 2G-only radio and... well, little else. The cheapest prepaid phone presently in Big Magenta's lineup is $30, so if they could bring this in at, say, $15 or $20, they'd set a new bar. Considering the specs (or lack thereof), that price point seems totally doable.
Nokia's latest batch for emerging markets includes its cheapest phone ever
We spend most of our time talking about Espoo's Maemo- and Symbian-based lineup, which makes it easy to forget that the company has a vibrant business taking care of the very lowest rungs of the wireless industry -- devices that shatter price barriers and take service to entire new market segments in the furthest reaches of the world. Last year, it was the 1202 raising eyebrows with a €25 price tag, and this week, Nokia's beaten its own mark by coming out with the 1280 (pictured) at just €20 unsubsidized. The phone comes as part of a new five-pack of emerging market devices Nokia has shown this time around, including candybars ranging from the monochrome 1280 to the 1616 and 1800 with color displays for just €4 and €6 more, respectively; we've also got a 2220 slider and 2690 candybar that move a little upmarket at €45 and €54. All of the handsets feature FM radios (particularly critical in some of the markets where these phones will be sold) and feature killer battery life, perfect when power outlets can be hard to come by for days at a time. Indonesia will be the first to get these bad boys in early December, but we imagine they'll find their way to other regions shortly.
