Vertu, the luxury communications company, recently announced that it has plans to grow the luxury mobile phone business in India. As of now Vertu’s exclusive handsets are currently available in Delhi and Mumbai. Vertu is available across 40 countries in more than 300 retail doors worldwide. World over, the phones though very steeply priced (ranging from, gasp, $5,750 to $26,550!) are popular with celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Tom Ford and David Beckham. However, they have proved to be too pricey for even the rich.

Vertu is now eyeing the Indian market. India has been witnessing an increase in per capita income across the country, at least in the metros and mini metros. Vertu is counting on the upmarket lifestyles of people in India. “We are in a strong position to grow our business in luxury mobile phones in India. By the end of this year, we aim to sell Vertu handsets in Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh and Chennai,” announced Mr Alberto Torres, President for Vertu.“We are in discussions with several interested parties and hope to make more announcements shortly,” he added.

Vertu, a subsidiary of Nokia, launched its first phone, Vertu Signature in January 2002. The company claims Signature is available in stainless steel, 18 carat white gold, 18 carat yellow gold and platinum and comprises over 400 parts.

Vertu's other luxury phone Ascent is inspired by the look and feel of luxury sports cars, according to the company. Described as tough and elegant, Vertu Ascent is made of ceramic, stainless steel, finished with hand-stitched leather and a durable Liquidmetal alloy. Ascent is a simple phone. It does not allow you take or send pictures and other multimedia files. Bluetooth wireless for hands-free handsets or a broswer are absent.

Manufactured in the UK, the phones are touted to be crafted by using high-quality materials, including a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face, ultra-strong highly polished ceramic, fine leather for better grip and jewelled bearings that are fitted under each key, providing a reassuring click each time the key is pressed.

Vertu phone owners can also avail of a service whereby they can press a Concierge key on their phones to access a client servicing team called "Lifestyle Managers" or "Global Advisors". You can call them to, say, ask for the schedules of movies in the city you are in. They also claim to provide "international assistance". The Vertu Concierge is complimentary to all Vertu clients for the first year and it is available all hours of the day and night, in English.

In India, Vertu mobile phones are currently retailing at The Regent Watch & Jewellery Co. in New Delhi and Popley La Classique in Mumbai.