Nokia (NOK) Looks to Best Apple (AAPL) in China with Lumia Launch (MSFT)
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Nokia (NYSE: NOK) shares are looking at a stronger opening Wednesday following reports of a largely-expected stronger push into China.
Nokia's first offering will be the Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows Phone-based Lumia 800C (we assume 'C' in this case refers to "cool" rather than "China," though that's probably a false assumption).
Initially the 800C will run on China Telecom's (NYSE: CHA) network. By comparison, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has its iPhone being offered through China Unicom (NYSE: CHU). However, Nokia sales chief Colin Giles said the Company plans to offer its wares through all three carriers in China, which would include the aforementioned two plus China Mobile (NYSE: CHL).
There's advantages and disadvantages to Nokia's effort. First, China Telecom is the country's third-largest carrier. That's generally a bad thing, but maybe terms were favorable heading into the launch.
An advantage might be pricing. The 800C is set to debut at $570 per unit, which compares to prices just north of $900 for an iPhone (at last check!).\
Another advantage Nokia has is recognition. China is Nokia's largest market and it has been selling its lower-end feature phones there for a while now. Apple has less of a presence due to price constraints and recent availability issues.
Aside from Apple, competitors Nokia will be facing include South Korea's Samsung and hometown favorite ZTE, amongst others.
The move is also good for Microsoft, giving its Windows Phone the first major exposure in China.
Nokia shares have opened up 3 percent Wednesday morning.
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Nokia's first offering will be the Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows Phone-based Lumia 800C (we assume 'C' in this case refers to "cool" rather than "China," though that's probably a false assumption).
Initially the 800C will run on China Telecom's (NYSE: CHA) network. By comparison, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has its iPhone being offered through China Unicom (NYSE: CHU). However, Nokia sales chief Colin Giles said the Company plans to offer its wares through all three carriers in China, which would include the aforementioned two plus China Mobile (NYSE: CHL).
There's advantages and disadvantages to Nokia's effort. First, China Telecom is the country's third-largest carrier. That's generally a bad thing, but maybe terms were favorable heading into the launch.
An advantage might be pricing. The 800C is set to debut at $570 per unit, which compares to prices just north of $900 for an iPhone (at last check!).\
Another advantage Nokia has is recognition. China is Nokia's largest market and it has been selling its lower-end feature phones there for a while now. Apple has less of a presence due to price constraints and recent availability issues.
Aside from Apple, competitors Nokia will be facing include South Korea's Samsung and hometown favorite ZTE, amongst others.
The move is also good for Microsoft, giving its Windows Phone the first major exposure in China.
Nokia shares have opened up 3 percent Wednesday morning.
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