Hop-On Unveils $10.00 USD Mobile Phone

Hop-on earlier today launched a no-frills, $10.00 USD phone that the company says is ideal as a backup phone, when traveling abroad, or for people interested in only making calls.

The Hop 1800 is a prepaid cellular phone with no display. The device works with more than 40 U.S. wireless carriers, including AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile. Hop-on also offers wireless service.

The concept behind the new device is to offer a phone to people who need it only to talk. U.S. travelers in Europe or Asia, for example, could buy a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming fees, or people who can’t afford subscription cellular service can use the device with a prepaid plan.

The device comes in two dual-band models, one 850/1,900 MHz and the other 900/1,900 MHz for Europe and Asia. The phone weighs less than 3 ounces and offers four hours of talk time, according to Hop-on. While the low price makes the phone disposable, to encourage recycling Hop-on offers a $5 rebate for returning the phone.

The Hop 1800 is sold through retailers, such as drug and convenience stores, and to businesses looking for a “unique branding opportunity,” Hop-on said. The company can imprint sports team or corporate logos on the device.

“Instead of another coffee mug, offering a branded cell phone is a memorable branding opportunity that will literally keep you in touch with your customers”

-Peter Michaels, chief executive of Hop-on.

Hop-on develops and markets mobile phones and accessories for emerging markets.

The company also makes mobile-gambling software that allows users to stream live interactive feeds from legal jurisdictions to play poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

Source: Hop-On Press Release.