ZTE and Vivo Unveil World’s First Low-Cost Handset with Digital TV in Brazil

    ZTE Corporation, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, announced the Brazilian launch of N290, a low-cost cell phone with digital TV in Brazil on April 21, 2010.

    Available exclusively through Vivo, the mobile phone are available in Rio de Janeiro and S?o Paulo, priced at BRL 399 for the pre-paid version and BRL 199 for the post-paid plan. It will be available in other Brazilian cities in coming weeks where Digital TV signals are just available.

    The ZTE N290 incorporates an MF645 3G modem for Digital TV reception, and supports Vivo’s strategy to bring mobile Digital TV to its customers in time for the World Cup in South Africa in June.

    With a 3.2 inch widescreen, the handset works with the Brazilian TV digital system ISBD-T which allows the access to all digital open channels at no cost. The new handset also features a 2.0 MP camera and supports a Maxim 8G TF card.

    Importantly, Digital TV services are free of charge. This means that once a handset is purchased, there is no need for a monthly subscription to access Brazil’s broadcast TV.
According to Eliandro Avila, ZTE’s President in Brazil, the manufacturer’s goal is to offer an innovative and low-cost device in a market that, until very recently, only had expensive deals to offer with Digital TV.