TELECOM FIRST TO LAUNCH WORLD EDITION BLACKBERRY IN NZ
Telecom announced today that it will be launching the first World Edition BlackBerry smartphone to New Zealanders.
The World Edition BlackBerry 8830 is part of Telecom’s range of WorldMode phones, which means it can operate on both
CDMA and GSM networks. The BlackBerry is the first WorldMode device with data capability, which allows customers to surf
the internet, check their email, and use their business-related applications.
Telecom GM Business Solutions, Martin Butler, says the enhanced functionality of the BlackBerry 8830 gives Telecom
customers the option to use both voice and data in Australia and beyond.
“We have a number of business customers who need the functionality of a PDA device, and want to take it with them when
they travel to key destinations such as the USA, the UK and around the Asia-Pacific region. The WorldMode capability of
the BlackBerry 8830 will enable them to do that.”
The BlackBerry 8830 combines the functionality of one of the world’s leading smartphone handsets, with the increased
flexibility to operate on both CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks with full mobile voice and data coverage, without having to
change device, phone number or email address.
The smartphones have full WorldMode voice roaming capability now, and will be able to use WorldMode data roaming when
the service launches early next year.
Mr Butler says that because the BlackBerry 8830 is the first of its kind Telecom is doing a phased release, launching a
limited number of devices before Christmas.
“Initially we will be supplying BlackBerry 8830s to a small group of customers who have been specifically selected
because of their mobile usage. These customers will be working with us to trial the device and its WorldMode voice
service and data roaming capability to ensure our rollout to the wider market runs smoothly.”
The BlackBerry 8830 will be available to all Telecom customers in early 2008, with full voice and data roaming
capability.
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