The flow on new entrants in the low-price driven Indian mobile handset market continues unabated with Africa-based Mi-Fone being the latest one to enter the country. 

The handset player is particularly targeting the youth segment with its range of phones. In the initial phase, Mi-Q family, Mi-Fone has launched Mi-5QS, Mi-338, Mi-2010 and Mi-350a. The Mi-QWERTY range of handsets come equipped with Mi-Apps which aim to enable mass market segment to get a feel of BlackBerry-like range of features and applications.

Alpesh Patel, CEO Mi-Fone, says, "Mi-Fone's entry into the India market started mid 2009 with the signing up of authorized distribution channels. We wanted to test the waters first as we know India to be an extremely competitive market." Patel continues, "I am confident that with our current sales forecasts the time is right to embark on our brand awareness campaigns nationwide. Mi-Fone is not your typical out-of-the-box brand. Our team consists of individuals who have more than 25 years combined experience in the handset business. This, coupled with a young and creative marketing team, means that we are able to deliver relevant product offerings to the new mass market sectors. Our ongoing success in Africa with GSM Carriers, wholesalers and retailers has given us a good foundation on which to enter the Indian market."

Mi-Fone is currently available in 15 African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Mauritius, DRC, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Madagascar and Nigeria.