ZTE to Release a Rugged Android Smartphone:

China's ZTE may be able to launch a rugged smartphone for the local market, according to photo leaks from a Chinese website.

The company is reported to have secured approval to sell the G601U, an Android smartphone that is clad in an impact absorbing rubber skin and sealed joints.

The specifications are modest for a new Android phone, coming with a 1.3Gh processor, a 4-inch screen and a display of just 800x480 pixels.

However, it also comes with a sizable battery that should provide a solid day of full use without recharging, which is often a more important utility on building sites where such devices might be signed out on a daily basis.

ZTE Sued Uganda Telecom for Unpaid Invoices:

China's ZTE was reported to be suing Uganda Telecom for US$6.74 million in unpaid invoices covering contracts dating back over the past five years.

ZTE won a contract worth US$3.4 million in 2007 to supply hardware components, and the order was increased over time to US$6.7 million.

However, the firm alleges that Uganda Telecom repeatedly failed to pay invoices on time and that an agreed schedule of deferred payments was also breached.

The Chinese firm is seeking to recover $6.7 million owed on the contract, general damages and interest at 23 percent from the date of the cause of action till payment in full.

Uganda Telecom has declined to comment.

Last December, rival Chinese vendor, Huawei launched two separate lawsuits for US$10.25 million and US$2.78 million for outstanding bills covering equipment and services supplied between 2005 and 2009.