Throw-away phone priced at HK$308

China is expected to begin manufacturing disposable GSM (global system for mobile communications) mobile phones soon, Xinhua news agency reports.

The devices, designed by California telecommunications firm Hop-on Wireless, offer minimal features and are the size of a pack of playing cards.

Hop-on chief executive Peter Michaels said the recyclable mobile phone would offer 60 minutes of talk time and sell for HK$308. The report said the devices would be manufactured in Zhejiang province.

Zhongfu Telecom chief manager Tai Wuchuo said: 'The emergence of such cell phones will satisfy the special needs of certain people who seldom use phones and cannot afford such expensive items.'