Bic punts 'disposable' pre-charged phone
Cheap-as-chips phone calls
Next time the missus asks you to pick-up a Bic at the newsagents, you’d be wise to clarify what she’s after. The firm's branching out from disposable razors and pens, and has launched a mobile phone.
Bic's phone: available on Orange
Bic has teamed-up with Orange France to launch the Bic Phone, which comes with a ready-charged battery and an hour's free calls. The SIM card will already slotted into place, so all the user has to do is activate the phone.
Once your free time’s up, Mobicarte pre-pay airtime cards can be used to keep the phone topped up. Alcatel manufactures the handset, and the device’s telephone number is included in the packaging.
Don’t expect too many features though, because Bic states that the phone’s only designed for making calls and sending text messages. But users can choose between a “Citrus Orange” or “Lime Green” body colour.
The Bic phone will be available in France from 7 August and will cost €49 (£39/$80). A UK release date or price hasn’t been given.
COMMENTS
overcharged
No, not the battery. Yeah, yeah I'll get it in a minute.
Just the other day I managed to pick up a (surprisingly) decent little Sagem on one of the better UK networks for £20 (including £10 mandatory top up). The battery was roughly 50% charged too.
Looks a helluva lot nicer (and smaller) than that colourful (-blind?) monstrosity.
What exactly are we paying for here? The convenience of a pre-fitted SIM?
Well...
...Hopefully this will differ from their razors and wont rip the face off you.
Heart because using bic's results in blood loss
49 EUR?!?
Unless France's market is dramatically different from Germany's, this sounds like a recipe for failure. I've never walked into an electronics store here without seeing some Vodafone or T-Mobile PAYG handset for 10-20 EUR (including 5-10 EUR starting credit), rechargeable at any grocery checkout counter or ATM nationwide.
Though 60 min * 0.39 EUR = 23.40 EUR, so let's say that the thing comes with 20-25 EUR credit.
They're still asking a 15 EUR premium for a charged-up battery.
