Vodafone VF247 Solar Power Mobile Phone launched IndiaVodafone Essar Ltd. has launched “VF 247” a solar-powered mobile phone In India targeting India’s rural masses who lack electricity. This mobile is priced at 1,500 rupees ($32), should be available in stores next month. Samsung, who launched a similar solar-powered handset about a year ago failed to gain popularity for Such handsets and now it Vodafone Turn.

The VF 247 needs eight hours of direct sunlight to be fully charged and can support 200 standby hours and 240 minutes of talk time. It also comes with an electronic charger, an FM radio and a powerful torch light.

“This launch is likely to enable more people in rural India to go mobile and thus increase penetration from the current 20 percent,” Vodafone Essar chief executive Marten Pieters said in a statement.