Idea ties up with HTC to launch touch phones

MUMBAI,. INDIA: Idea Cellular, mobile service operator, had entered into a tie up with Taiwan's handset manufacturer HTC Corp to offer two touch phone models in India targetted at the premium segment.

Pradeep Shrivastava, chief marketing officer, Idea Cellular, said "The market for premium segment in the country is estimated to be about 15 per cent of the overall market size. Moreover, the ongoing recessionary trend may not affect the demand for these types of phones though customers may tend to be a little cautious before shifting to the new products."

The two Taiwan made models called HTC Touch Pro and HTC Touch Viva based on Windows mobile platform offer elegant touch screen experience .

HTC Touch Pro is priced at Rs 34,900, while HTC Viva will sell at Rs 16,490 at all HTC resellers across the country.

"The tie up between the two companies is not exclusive and there is no financial arrangement between them. Customers of other mobile service operator also could opt to buy these models," Shrivastava said .

Jack Tong, vice president, HTC Asia, said. "The two models embody our commitment to build a family of touch phones that are powerful, stylish and offer something for everyone.".