It is not the first time that the US president capitalizes his image. In the past, he has commercialized caps, watches and even footwear, all highlighting his personal brand: golden and American. Its most recent product seeks to compete in a much more complex industry: Telephony
On June 16, the Trump organization, an American conglomerate owned by Donald Trump, announced its new initiative: Trump Mobile. According to the organization, this cell service is designed to offer “first level connectivity, unparalleled value and a completely American service for the most working people in our country”.
What does this telephone service offer?
Eric Trump, son of the president and who directs the organization in his absence, said that Trump Mobile “reflects the values of US citizens” more than any other company.
The service will operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), using the infrastructure of the main telephone companies in the United States (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile) to provide 5G connectivity. That is, T1 Mobile does not have its own network of towers or spectrum, but also leases access to the networks of these operators to offer their customers.
The main plan, called 47 Plan, has a monthly cost of $ 47.45, in reference to the presidential mandates of Donald Trump as 45th and 47th President of the United States. This plan includes:
- Unlimited calls, messages and data.
- Device protection.
- 24 -hour road assistance.
- Telesalud services.
- Free international calls to more than 100 countries, including those with American military bases, to “honor families that serve bravely in our armed forces abroad.”
- No contracts or credit verification.
The mobile T1
Trump Mobile also offers an outstanding accessory: the T1 mobilea $ 499 phone with a characteristic design that includes a golden background, the T1 logo and an American flag in the rear.
The mobile, available for purchase from August, It is not necessary to access Trump Mobile service, since users can use their own devices or acquire the T1.
Manufacturing
In line with the policy of the Republican, the Trump organization announced that All T1 mobiles will be manufactured in the United Statesunlike Apple, which produces its devices in India.
“We don’t want to manufacture abroad. We don’t want to do it in India”Eric Trump declared Fox Business on Monday.
The imposition of tariffs by Trump seeks to promote national production, which is why the company emphasizes that the T1 will be manufactured on American soil. However, this statement has generated skepticism. The Trump organization clarified that it will not be she who manufactures the product, but an external company that will use the “Trump” registered trademark.
No details were provided about the company in charge of manufacturing. For their part, market experts indicate that the United States currently lacks the resources necessary to produce large -scale smartphones, especially to meet a launch in August.
In a BBC article, Leo Gebbie, an Insight analyst, said: “The United States simply does not have the high -tech supply chain necessary for the assembly of smartphones.” However, he added that “it is possible that the device be assembled in the US. With imported components, which would be the most likely scenario for the T1 to claim its American origin.”
Access problems
Although the T1 mobile will not be available until August, the T1 Mobile telephone service can already be hired. However, he has presented several problems. Shira Ovide, the Washington Post analyst, He tried to hire the service immediately, but could not access him despite having been charged.
In addition, he noted that the announced price of $ 47.45 is not entirely exact, since $ 17.25 are added. According to Ovide, “it is not clear if it is mandatory government taxes or other rates described as taxes.” The final cost amounts to $ 64.70.