Deutsche Telekom is starting sales of the new mobile Firefox OS with the launch of the Alcatel One Touch Fire in Europe. T-Mobile Poland will offer the Firefox OS-powered smartphone via its online sales channels beginning 12 July and nationwide in 850 shops commencing 15 July. The smartphone will be offered starting at PLN 1 (US $0.30) for prepaid subscribers when topping up by at least PLN 25 (US $7.60), as well as with postpaid plans starting at PLN 39.90 (US $12.12) per month. Launches in further European countries, including Germany, Greece and Hungary, will follow in the fall.

Tarifica’s Take

Speaking of iPhone problems, the proliferation of the new Firefox OS constitutes a further challenge to the hegemony of iOS and could have an impact on the future of smartphone plans and subsidies. We think Firefox is a great brand that has proved itself to users through its web browser, as we wrote last summer when Mozilla announced the impending launch of the mobile operating system. It has a sterling reputation and a loyal customer base, so MNOs would do well to keep an eye on this this new competitor in the developing smartphone marketplace. Deutsche Telekom’s rollout indicates a broadening of the market that could further affect the shipment of iPhones going forward.