Infineon today announced sample availability of its first reference design for ultra-low-cost handsets. Using Infineon's its ULC reference platform, for GSM handsets with SMS functionality could be set to be reduced from currently around $35 to below $20, the company said.

This cost covers the entire mobile phone, including all electronic components, printed-circuit-board, connectors, casing with keypad and display, all software components, rechargeable batteries, charger, packaging and documentation. Volume production of cell phones based on the reference design is expected to start in the first quarter of 2006, which means that ultra-low-cost handsets could surface late in that year. (THG)