Ever since Google made the announcement that the Freetel ICE 2 smartphone will be introduced into Nigeria, to increase smartphone penetration and bring more people online, many of us have anticipated and imagined what the device will look like: An Android phone that will cost just N13,000.
The announcement was made on Thursday, 27th July, 2017 and exactly seven Thursdays after, on 14th September, 2017, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest mobile device distributor, TD Mobile in partnership with Google, MTN officially unveiled the Freetel ICE 2 in Nigeria.
Freetel ICE 2 is designed in Japan and it was specifically made for the Nigerian market. Its manufacturing was overseen by Japanese engineers with over 40 years of experience in smartphone design and production.
According to Google, Freetel ICE 2 is a high quality, low cost 3G device that ships with the latest version of Android (PS: Android O wasn’t announced then) and comes with the best of Google completely built on YouTube, Google maps.
The ICE 2 will also be part of the first Android devices to come with Google Play Protect, Google’s latest effort to ensure security of devices’ data and apps. Play protect automatically scans the device and if any potential harm is found, it will be disabled or removed.
Google’s Head of Nigeria for Android Partnerships, Adama Diallo emphasized: “We have been truly impressed by the quality of the Freetel ICE 2 at this price point. We are excited to continue working with ecosystem partners like Freetel, TD & MTN to offer Android devices at every price point and connect more Nigerians to the internet.”
In addition to the Google’s support for the ecosystem, MTN is offering all customers who buy the device 100% bonus on every data bundle they buy for three months.
According to MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Rahul De: “We are excited by this partnership because our focus over the years has been on connecting millions of Nigerians to each other and the world, thus expanding access to information, entertainment and endless opportunities. The affordable and innovative ICE 2 takes us further along this journey, allowing more Nigerians make the transition to smartphones.”
Speaking at the event, Managing Director, TD Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun disclosed that the launch of the Freetel ICE 2 is a fitting testimony to the company’s landmark strides in making ICT products and devices accessible, affordable and usable across Africa.
“Since inception, TD Mobile has been the leading driver of smart devices penetration in the West African sub-region. The launch of the Freetel ICE 2 resonates with our mission of spear-heading a technology revolution in Africa and further shows why we have remained in the forefront of bringing the best and latest technology products to the sub-region. Through the strategic partnerships with our massive network of operators, dealers and retailers, we are sure to see the ICE 2 Android smartphone in the hands of millions of Nigerians in no time,” she enthused.