Sony Ericsson has announced that it is turning to entry-level mobile phone specialist Sagem to develop and manufacture its entry-level phones so it can concentrate on flagship models like the Walkman and Cyber-shot ranges.

“Our co-operation with Sagem Communication will allow us to offer a mature range of phones right from the start”, said Howard Lewis, Vice President and Head of Product Business Unit Entry at Sony Ericsson.

Sagem will license certain hardware and software technologies related to mobile phone platforms to Sony Ericsson while an Original Developer Manufacturer agreement will see Sagem Communication provide Sony Ericsson with a number of Sony Ericsson branded mobile phones.

Sony Ericsson has said that it will establish a development unit dedicated to entry-level GSM, GPRS & EDGE mobile phones, based at Sagem Communication’s premises in Cergy, France.

Both companies have said that they will conduct joint development activities as well in the future.