New Delhi: Mobile phone makers are gearing up to offer 3-G enabled handsets at dramatically lowered prices. In the near future, such phones that are currently priced at over 8000 will be available at around 3500, thanks to an increased competition among the handset makers because of a booming market for 3G mobile services, which provide high-speed downloads of data, movies and videos.

As per reported by Business Standards, Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies is already in talks with Indian GSM mobile services providers to sell a 3G entry-level phone at a price within the range between $80 and $100.

A factor that would further pull down the prices of 3G handsets is possible bulk deals with operators. Huawei has supplied these basic 3G phones to operators in the Hong Kong market.

South Korean electronics company LG Electronics has already introduced KU250 3G phone model, one of the cheapest phones in 3G category around the globe. "We will launch an adaptation of this model in India for around $100," said Arun Arora, senior business group head of LG Electronics India.

Motorola India also expects a slash down in price. "We expect the prices of phones to come down to Rs 4,000-5,000," said Lloyd Mathias, senior director, sales distribution and marketing.

"Initially, they might be available at Rs 5,000-6,000 at the top level," he added. Motorola has about three 3G models that range from Rs 14,000 to Rs 19,000. "With the policy guidelines issued last week for 3G, we will look at bringing in more 3G handsets in the market," Mathias added.