Say hello again to Alcatel

MANILA, Philippines - Do you remember the first brand of cell phone you owned — in the early ‘90s, that is?

Well, at the time there were not as many choices as we have today. But one of the major choices was the French brand Alcatel.

In the ‘90s cell phones were a prime commodity and only those who could afford them had them. Today, cell phones remain a prized possession, but everyone has at least one as these gadgets have become the cheapest way to communicate.

And if you are one of those folks who like to keep abreast of what is new in the cell phone world, well, Alcatel is back.

“Alcatel Mobile Phones, one of the pioneers in the mobile phone industry, was established in France in the ‘90s,” said Harry Au, general manager, Alcatel Asia-Pacific. “It is now present in over five continents and 120 countries all over the world and sold over 36 million phones worldwide in 2010.”

That’s a lot of cell phones sold since Alcatel has returned. In 2004, Alcatel mobile phones partnered with TCL Communications in China. The joint venture resulted in cell phones designed to meet the demands of users.

These cutting-edge cell phones offer unique user experiences. The best part of the venture is that the Alcatel cell phones are being offered at very reasonable prices. With its continued growth in 2011, the company rebranded itself to Alcatel OneTouch (OT) to strengthen its product line under the OT series.

We’re Back

Young entrepreneur Darren Sy opted to become the exclusive distributor in the country for Alcatel OT cell phones. 

“In 2010, Alactel OT reentered the Philippines with three models,” said Darren Sy. “Matter of fact, we have expanded our cell phone range to 15 units after only 12 months.”

It is a clear sign for Sy that the Alcatel brand is doing well and that the market is ready for cell phones that are reasonably priced, yet offer much of the features of the higher-priced cell phones. Alcatel has a product distribution from 100 to over 1,000 shops in key malls nationwide (Luzon, GMA, Visayas and Mindanao). And, recently, Alcatel OT successfully launched its Android line of Smartphones under the Blaze series.

Blazing A New Techie Trail

The Alcatel OT Blaze 990 is actually quite a sturdy cell phone. It has a rubber back case that makes it easier to handle. The OT Blaze 990 is a mid-range Android smartphone with features like a full touchscsreen, candy-bar form factor and one of the options is a cool aubergine shade. It is equipped with a 3.5-inch screen with a bright and clear display. 

Harry Au, general manager, Alcatel Asia Pacific at the launching of Alcatel OneTouch

I like the size of the Blaze OT 990 because it is not too thin or too thick. There is something about cell phones feeling comfortable in the hand that gives me a sense of security. And it is always better that they are not too thin so that it is easy to fish them out of one’s bag.

Setting up the cell phone is not too difficult. Even if it was the first time I handled the Alcatel OT, I was able to get the hang of its buttons and how to place its widgets after a few minutes.

But those with bigger fingers might find the virtual QWERTY keyboard a bit cramped. My suggestion is to send those text messages in landscape mode.

Other features of note of the Alcatel OT 990 are its Qualcomm 600 MHz processor, 200MB internal storage, up to 32GB via microSD, 3G/HSDPA, WiFi capable and a five-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash.

It is worth giving the Alcatel OT 990 and the other new Alcatel smartphones that Sy will bring in a look-over. You might just find the cell phone you’ve been dreaming of in the Alcatel line.

Alcatel kiosk in SM North

Before the year ends, Alcatel OT will introduce its first brand ambassador, Chris Tiu. Sy shares that Tiu is a friend of his from way back and is the best brand ambassador the Alcatel. After all, Tiu is a no-nonsense basketball player — and he lives his life the way he plays his sport, giving it 100 percent.

With this campaign, Alcatel OneTouch is looking forward to delivering more good cell phone models to Filipino mobile consumers in the coming months.

“The company is committed to providing the best choice for mobile consumers,” quipped Sy. “We will offer products that are 100 percent good.”

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For more information, visit the Alcatel OneTouch Kiosks at SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Marikina Riverbanks Mall, Starmall Edsa Shaw, SM Fairview and SM Pampanga, log on to www.alcatelonetouch.com/ph or Facebook www.facebook.com/alcatel.ph.