Alcatel's French phones reach US shores

Joining in the suite of phone releases at CTIA, Alcatel today gave word that it would bring a large selection of its previously Europe-only OT phones Stateside. Over 15 phones will be available in the US for the first time, the company says. One of the highlights is the Elle GlamPhone No. 3 (pictured) with a 1.3-megapixel camera and iPod-style directional pad for music; other phones being released include the C825, a more masculine phone with a VGA camera, and the E801, which excludes the camera entirely in the name of price but provides an ample 10 hours of talk time.

The company hasn't revealed any release dates or carriers that will deliver the phones to subscribers. Earlier plans, however, indicate that the C- and E- series phones should become available primarily through virtual networks (in the vein of Amp'd or Helio) later this year.