In a bid to meet consumer demand ahead of the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) counterfeit phones switch off at the end of September, Samsung Electronics East Africa has moved to officially unveil the Samsung Chief Hero handset (E1500) which is durable phone with a smart dual-SIM capability that is designed for cost sensitive users. The Smart Dual SIM technology allows both SIM cards to be active and ‘always on’.
Speaking in Nairobi when he confirmed the launch of the Samsung Chief Hero handset, Samsung Electronics East Africa Business Leader Robert Ngeru disclosed that the new internet enabled handset has been customized for local conditions to boost the uptake of genuine handsets and support CCK’s anti counterfeit phones campaign.
The Samsung Chief Hero handset (E1500) is pre-loaded with Kiswahili language option and features a free 2GB memory card and headset in-box. At the same time, Samsung is giving an introductory offer of 50MB data for a period of 3 months, a free phone cover and Kshs 100/- worth of airtime.
As the market leader on the Smart Phones category, Samsung, Ngeru said, is moving to expand its range of low-cost mobile phones with the introduction of the Samsung Chief Hero.
According to the CCK, close to 3 million mobile phones in the Kenyan market are counterfeit, translating to about 10% of all the active mobile devices in the country. This has not only infringed on the manufacturer’s intellectual property rights, but has also denied the government revenue in the form of tax as well as posing a health risk to the consumers.
In accordance with Regulation 24 of the Kenya Information and Communications (Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulations 2010, requires all mobile phones to be type approved. Contravention of this statute attracts a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.
Among other features, the Samsung Chief Hero has a Smart dual-SIM capability to meet local consumer preferences where a significant percentage of mobile phone users carry multiple SIM cards to take advantage of the different pricing plans on offer from the various operators.
The Samsung Chief Hero supports GPRS dual band technology and with a 1000mAh battery, boasts an 11-hour talk time and 550 hours of standby time. And with the Dual-SIM Always On functionality, you will never miss a call. Couple this with the 1.8” TFT screen, MP3, and FM Radio, the Samsung Chief Hero keeps you in touch wherever you go.
The phone also supports an additional 13 languages including Yoruba, Swahili and Igbo. Easily share your life with friends using Facebook JAVA, enjoy web browsing, and MMS/SMSing in your own language!
“Whether users want to take advantage of different calling plans, or want to keep their business and personal calls separate, Always On Smart dual-SIM handsets provides the convenience of two cell phones with one-mobile solution. There is a perception that low-cost mobile phones are not reliable. Samsung is proud to say that our Chief Hero is not only cost-effective and reliable, but it is also ultra-durable – and with great battery life, Kiswahili language option and a 24months warranty - the Samsung Chief Hero is certainly designed with the local consumer in mind,” concluded Ngeru.
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