SAN FRANCISCO-Following years of delays, Nokia Corp. finally is set to launch its 9300 device running Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry software in the United States. The device will be available exclusively through Cingular Wireless L.L.C. beginning in November.
Cingular, which reportedly serves more BlackBerry customers than any other operator in the world, noted the device would be the first third-party device in the country to use the BlackBerry Connect licensing platform running on its Symbian operating system. Cingular said the device will retail for as low as $300 with mail-in rebates and a two-year contract.
Befitting its business target, the 9300 includes traditional handset features on the outside, as well as a full keyboard and a larger 65,536-color screen inside its clamshell case. The handset will include five-way conference-calling capability, speakerphone and Bluetooth capabilities.
Cingular said it will also offer its Xpress Mail “push” e-mail service on the device, targeting individual and small businesses, and noted that the 9300 will support the previously announced Nokia Business Center software solution.
The tri-band device will include support for Cingular’s nationwide EDGE network, but is not compatible with its higher-speed UMTS/HSDPA network. The carrier plans to begin rolling out the upgraded network later this year.
Cingular Business Markets Group President Kent Mathy said the device would sell alongside the traditional BlackBerry devices, as well as Good Technology Inc.’s GoodLink platform.
