Nokia intros special edition Lumia 520 with pre-loaded government apps in Argentina

posted by Florin T.

Dec 23, 2013, 10:24 AM

Nokia intros special edition Lumia 520 with pre-loaded government apps in Argentina

The cheap Lumia 520 has done great things for Nokia and Microsoft. Millions of customers bought the handset, and more will do it from now on (even if a successor to the 520, namely the Lumia 525, has already been launched in a few markets).

The affordability of the Lumia 520 paired with its not-too-shabby performance determined Argentine authorities to choose it as the only handset that comes pre-installed with government-endorsed apps in the country. Argentina's Ministry of Modernization teamed-up with Nokia and Microsoft to unveil a special Lumia 520 edition in Buenos Aires (Argentina's capital). The pre-installed government apps that users will find on the handset include "BA Móvil" (providing real time info on the state of local traffic) and "BA Cómo llego" (which offers info on public transport, alternate routes and more).

Nokia, Microsoft and the Government of Buenos Aires are hoping that the Lumia 520 enhanced with these apps will help people travel more efficiently through the city (where about 3 million people reside, and another 3 million commute everyday from nearby places).

This special edition Nokia Lumia 520 will be sold in Buenos Aires starting January 2014 for about $154 (990 ARS in local currency). It's a bit weird that the price isn't lower, though. After all, AT&T was selling the smartphone in the US for only $50 recently - it's asking $99.99 for it now, although Microsoft Store has priced it at $59.

sources: La Nacion (translated), Twitter

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9 Comments

10. loveHEAVYMETAL unregistered

lumia 525 is cheaper than lumia 520 in my country!

posted on Dec 24, 2013, 2:52 AM 0

11. jameshoe unregistered

Thank to some genius market manager

posted on Dec 24, 2013, 2:58 AM 0

9. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

Another great Lumia device.

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 4:10 PM 0

8. rodneyej1

Love Lumia.

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 3:57 PM 0

7. darkurious

Posts: 10; Member since: Dec 07, 2010

I wonder if the U.S. Government is watching this. Since BBRY is #4, MSFT should really push this. I hope they make the price more reasonable for our friends in Argentina.

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 1:34 PM 0

6. sprockkets

Posts: 1612; Member since: Jan 16, 2012

"it's asking $99.99 for it now, although Microsoft Store has priced it at $59. " Still has it for $99 for Tmobile. Maybe they just sell better for their network or something.

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 1:25 PM 0

5. Diego!

Posts: 880; Member since: Jun 15, 2009

I live in Buenos Aires and I can tell you prices here are way too expensive! Even with the highest data plan! :( That's our government's fault! Anyway, I have already these two apps what come with the special edition of Lumia 520. One is just OK, the other one doesn't work at all! It sucks big time!

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 11:10 AM 0

4. amirlukmanhisyam

Posts: 44; Member since: Jun 26, 2012

That cheap price of 520 only available in US... period...

posted on Dec 23, 2013, 11:06 AM 0

2. Lauticol

Posts: 404; Member since: Jun 25, 2011

If you think only the Lumia 520 price is high in Argentina, you should check the other smartphones prices! The 8Gb Moto G is around 340 dollars with a 2 years ($25 dollars per month).