Mozilla, a pioneer in Web platforms, introduces the Firefox operating system for smartphones in Bangladesh, in cooperation with Grameenphone and device partner Symphony. Customers of Bondhu, Grameenphone’s youth offer, will be able to enjoy range of benefits on Firefox OS, including 20MB of free Internet per day.
Through the launch of Firefox OS, named Symphony GoFox F15, Mozilla, Grameenphone and device partner Symphony aim to rally the developer community in Bangladesh, stimulate growth and lower the barriers to smartphone use for customers.
“As part of our ambition to bring Internet for all, we want to simulate the experience of smartphones and creation of local content. This offer is the first offer of its kind in Bangladesh, and we believe this will serve as a strong stimulus for increased internet usage across the country,” said Vivek Sood, CEO of Grameenphone.
The cooperation with Mozilla has originated through Telenor Digital Services, part of Grameenphone’s parent company Telenor ASA. Telenor, along with the Mozilla community and more than a dozen global operators, is an active participant in the development of the Firefox OS through the sharing of its engineering resources.
“Through this initiative the Telenor Group is truly embracing our Internet for all ambition, providing not only the Bangladeshi market with low-cost smart phones, but also an easy and affordable experience to the benefits of the mobile Internet,” said Rolv-Erik Spilling, EVP of Telenor Group and head of Digital Services.
Under the tagline Fun ways to earn free internet, customers using Grameenphone’s youth offer, Bondhu, will be able to unlock the unique Wowbox, including an attractive selection of offers. Just by entering the Wowbox, which has been developed by Telenor Digital Services, users will avail 20 MB internet free to the device (applies on daily basis). Popular applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube will be available on the new phones.
Mozilla recently introduced a powerful new design to the Firefox OS, and in-browser performance debugging features. The real unique new feature is a full-fledged development IDE in Firefox Nightly that will make it easier to create and build Web apps without any overhead.
“We are happy to partner with local market leaders such as Grameenphone and Symphony to bring Firefox OS phones to more users in Asia. Telenor’s ‘internet for all’ strategy is well aligned with Mozilla’s mission for Firefox OS - promoting openness, innovation and opportunity online,” said Dr. Andreas Gal, CTO in Mozilla.
The handset will be available from September 28, 2014. Pre booking will start from September 17th. For pre-booking, visit: www.grameenphone.com/personal/offers/prebook-symphony-gofox-f15
Customer offer in brief:
· Offer is applicable to Bondhu customers only. To migrate to Bondhu, dial *111*44*1#
· Daily 20 MB Free Internet (valid for 1 day)
· Customer can purchase 50 MB 3G data at 10 Tk. (valid for 15 days)
· Customers can purchase regular data packs and earn points. Through these accumulated points, customers can also buy new data offers.
Technical Specifications of Symphony GoFox F15:
· Processor: 1 GHz Single Core
· OS: Firefox 1.4
· Display: 3.5” TFT HVGA (320*480)
· Memory: ROM 512MB + RAM 512 MB
· Camera: 3.2MP (rear) + 0.3MP (front)
· Battery: 1450mAh Li-ion Battery
Go Fox F15 Price: Price of the device is Tk. 4,650
For further information, please contact:
Md. Hasan, Deputy General Manager of PR: 01711-082469
About Grameenphone Ltd.
Grameenphone, part of the Telenor Group, is a leading telecommunications service provider in Bangladesh with more than 49 million subscribers. Since its inception in 1997, Grameenphone has built the largest cellular network in the country, covering nearly 99 percent of the country's population. With its brand promise to enable customers to “Go beyond”, Grameenphone seeks to help customers get the full benefit of mobile data and voice services and provide Internet For All. Grameenphone is listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. www.grameenphone.com : www.facebook.com/grameenphone.
About Mozilla
Mozilla has been a pioneer and advocate for the Web for more than 15 years. We create and promote open standards that enable innovation and advance the Web as a platform for all. Today, half a billion people worldwide use Mozilla Firefox to experience the Web on computers, tablets and mobile devices. With Firefox OS and Firefox Marketplace, Mozilla is driving a mobile ecosystem built entirely on open Web standards, freeing mobile providers, manufacturers, developers and consumers from the limitations and restrictions imposed by proprietary platforms.
About Symphony
Whether they've been around for decades or were launched in the last five years, some brands just have a bit of magic when it comes to grabbing attention and establishing themselves as fan favorites. Of course, that "magic" doesn't just happen by itself. Within short period of time since its introduction at the end of 2008 the brand Symphony has emerged as the fastest growing leading mobile handset brand in Bangladesh market. Symphony became the market leader in the handset segment in 2010. Aggressive pricing strategy, contemporary features and styling, international quality build and a strong distribution network have contributed to make Symphony Mobile the preferred choice of Bangladeshi customers.