Cheap mobile phones--possibly costing $20 or less--are the goal of a new hardware and software platform currently under development by Philips Electronics. The move is part of an initiative announced this week by the Dutch electronics manufacturer to make mobile phones more widely available, especially in developing countries.
By the end of this year, Philips intends to deliver a sub-$5 system, called Nexperia Cellular System Solution 5130, that integrates all the electronics needed for a mobile phone. The Nexperia-based phone will be capable of making calls and sending text messages via Short Message Service (SMS). It will have a monochrome screen and be able to play polyphonic ring tones.