News / Networks
Vodafone’s 710 marked an early consumer own-brand 3G handset
In September 2006, Vodafone introduced the Vodafone 710, a clamshell 3G handset manufactured by Huawei and promoted as the first in a planned own-brand consumer range.
An operator brand on the device
The record said the handset would be sold across Europe and targeted the lower end of the market, including prepaid users. Vodafone positioned it as a way to encourage use of data services, mobile television, radio and its portal. Pricing was not confirmed in the source.
Operator strategy at the time
The article placed the device alongside own-label phones from O2, Orange and T-Mobile, observing that many earlier branded models had been oriented to business users. It was a 2006 product announcement. This replacement does not imply that the model, service lineup or market strategy remains current.