The new handset, named Vodafone Blue, comes with a dedicated Facebook button, and offers unlimited access to Facebook for a year from the date of purchase.

Specifically designed to put the Facebook experience into the heart of the handset, Vodafone Blue will allow users to easily share and connect with their friends anytime, anywhere, claimed Vodafone.

The phone is designed specifically to bring an ‘outstanding and affordable integrated mobile Facebook experience’ to pay-as-you-go customers, it added.

Vodafone said the handset, developed in collaboration with Facebook, brings the qualities of a classic smartphone together with popular social networking functions.

The phone takes Facebook integration to a different stage by providing all kinds of updates as counters, notifications, and displays Facebook posts regularly in the background, it claimed.

However, China based TCL Communication has manufactured this phone and runs on a proprietary operating system with Java support. Globally, TCL Communications sells its mobile phones under the Alcatel brand.

Speaking at the launch, Kumar Ramanathan, chief marketing officer, Vodafone Essar said, the mobile Internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users.

“Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price,” he added.

Vodafone Essar has over 140 million subscribers in India and over the past 6 months the company reported 200 per cent growth in data users, which are around 26 million users. It has geared up to take the Vodafone Blue phone across India through its national distributors and retail networks.

According to Peter Becker-Pennrich, Vodafone Group’s director – Terminals Marketing, there is a technology democratization trend, which aims to bridge the digital divide.

‘This year the focus is on mobile data and making the smart phones available and accessible to more and more people,” he said. Peter has been the instrumental in bringing the Vodafone Blue to the markets such as India. Also this phone will be launched in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

Users charged for data access other than Facebook

Though the Vodafone’s Facebook phone is offered at Rs..4950 with unlimited access to Facebook for a year, users will be charged for data access other than the Facebook. Vodafone Blue is not the first mobile phone to offer dedicated Facebook access to users.

HTC, Indian handset brand INQ and other low cost Chinese mobiles also offers Facebook dedicated single button access on handsets as well as pre loaded Facebook application.

However, Ramanathan clarified that company is not entering into handset market and not competing against Nokia, Samsung or others.

“If there’s a space to bring new device to enhance customers’ experience, we will bring new devices but we don’t think we are going to compete against the Nokias and Samsungs of the world,” Ramanathan said.