Agencies Posted online: Friday, September 23, 2005 at 1927 hours IST
The Hague, September 23: For Muslims, it's a high-tech call to prayer.
The Ilkone I800 cellular telephone generates five automated reminders a day at prayer time, points Muslims in the direction of Mecca and contains a complete, authorized version of the Islamic holy book, Te Quran, in Arabic and English.
This week, Ilkone-Arabic for universe-went on sale in the Netherlands for its European debut. It will be followed by launches in France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and Bosnia in coming months, said Peter Suyk Te managing director of Lebara BV, the phone’s European distributor.
Made by the Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Startupsamcom, Ilkone’s entry into the European market follows a successful introduction in the Middle East and Asia, where it is available in 23 countries.
Advertised as 'the first and only Islamic phone that gives you access to your beliefs wherever you are', it retails in Dutch Telecommunications outlets for euro289, excluding a mobile phone subscription.
A first batch of around 1,200 phones were available at around 150 Belcompany stores across the Netherlands. “They are selling well and here is a lot of interest. We are ready to supply more when needed,” Suyk said.
The Dutch launch comes three weeks before the holy Islamic fasting month Ramadan, which culminates in the three-day festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, when friends and family gather to pray, share meals and exchange gifts.
