Next bilion strategy, executed by BlackBerry
So long time ago (in internet years) Nokia had this "next billion" strategy, which basically said: Currently there are approximately 1 billions of mobile phone users, but we have this tremendous opportunity as this number will quickly double.
Those next billion mobile phone users will be customers from countries which have drastically less purchasing power that what we in industry are used now, so very cheap devices, but still useful have to be developed and distributed.
They later shifted emphasis toward smartphones.
Nokia tried to adres challenge first with Meltemi project and after Meltemi was killed (Elop) by Asha line. Asha was somewhat successful, actually - in my opinion mostly due to tremendous brand power of Nokia in the third word countries.
As you probably know, Microsoft will probably kill Asha line and the only remaining contenders on a market will be cheap androids and refurbished phones from rich countries.
Now BlackBerry actually has a perfect product for the Next Billion. Any Curve / 97xx Bold type device. The challenge is as follows: could BlackBerry re-engineer one of OS7 devices so it production cost goes below USD 50 without sacrificing reliability? BlackBerry could probably sacrifice touchscreen to trim cost down. 2g/3g more than enough. Keep only rock solid keyboard.
This device should be sold on cheap, so it generate small profit. His revenue stream will be BIS enabled tariff plans.
Now I hear all those who complain that the plan doesn't include BB10,but trust me, the price is essential here as well as ability of OS7 to compress data.
Also, most probably will ask, why this would be successful in the onslaught of the $200 Androids, which are definitely more modern that old OS7. A: Price. No wonder that Google is trying to claim this area before it will be too late.
Beauty of this is that BlackBerry has all pieces in place:
? OS7 ability to be very easy on data usage and networks
? Agreements with all operators in those countries for BIS based plans providing sweet, sweet revenue to BlackBerry.
? Very good brand recognition in those countries
? Agreement with Foxconn who could probably take blueprints for older Curve and redesign it for el-cheapo components of today.
? Excellent OTA client in form of the BBM.
Mr. Chen I available for offers to manage this project. :-)
No, seriously I would love to...
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