Smartphones to account for 30% of FET handset procurement

Smartphones is expected to represent 30% of Far EasTone Telecommunications' (FET) total handset procurement in 2010, up from 25% currently, according to the Taiwan-based carrier. Of the smartphones procured, devices based on Android will account for a 60% share, FET added.

FET recently became the sole carrier to distribute HTC's Aria smartphone, which is projected to generate 40,000-50,000 units in sales in 2010 for FET, the company said.

FET also indicated that it will introduce four to five tablet PCs in 2010, with a seven-inch device scheduled for September. The carrier will offer subsidized data plans to control prices at NT$13,000-14,000 (US$408-439).

FET looks to be leaning towards the Android camp for tablet PCs, as the carrier currently operates an Android-based app store that is available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines, and will enter the China market in the fourth quarter.