BASKING RIDGE, N.J.—Verizon Wireless and UTStarcom Inc. launched the new “G’zOne Type-V” phone, which they are billing as a rugged handset for hearty users.
UTStarcom said it is the exclusive North American distributor of G’zOne, which is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and is targeted at customers who enjoy “outdoor lifestyles.” The G’zOne meets military standards, including exposure to temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, harsh vibration, solar radiation, storm conditions and submersion in water.
The CDMA EV-DO phone, a Verizon exclusive in the United States, supports the carrier’s Vcast service and includes a 2-megapixel camera. It will sell for a whopping $300 with a two-year service agreement.
The phone stands against the iDEN phones from Sprint Nextel Corp., many of which are sold as “ruggedized” handsets. Sprint Nextel’s iDEN phones are built primarily by Motorola Inc.
