Bic Phone Explained

Bic Phone
Manufacturer:Alcatel subcontractor
Carrier:Orange, Proximus
Available:since 2008 (France),
since July 2009 (Spain),
since 2010 (Belgium)
Screen:1.5", 128×128 pixels, 65,000 colours
Camera:None
Memory:None
Networks:GSM bands 900 and 1800
Connectivity:Micro USB connector for charging
Battery:4 h call time, 240 h standby
Size:98×44×12.3 mm
Weight:70 g
Form:Bar
Music:FM radio reception
Related:Alcatel OT-S210

The Bic Phone is a variant of the Alcatel OT-S210 GSM mobile phone. An inexpensive phone with only the most basic of features, it is marketed in France and Spain by Orange as a "disposable" phone to casual customers. Société Bic, a French maker of disposable items, receives royalties for the use of its brand, but is not otherwise involved with the manufacture or distribution of the phone.

In Belgium, it was announced on June 21, 2010 that the Bic Phone will be marketed by Proximus, a subsidiary of Belgacom. However, it is purposely not marketed as a "disposable" phone but rather a low-entry phone seeing battery recharges are unlimited and the contract can be topped up just like any other prepaid card.

The phone is sold ready for immediate use, with a pre-charged battery and a certain number of free minutes. It can then be recharged with prepaid cards. The package also includes a hands-free kit and a micro USB charger. The phone features an alarm clock, a watch, a calculator and an FM radio receiver. It can send and receive SMS messages, but has no multimedia functionality.

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