PARIS-Orange France and Research In Motion Ltd. today announced the launch in France of the BlackBerry on the mobile-phone operator’s EDGE network.
The companies said the BlackBerry 8700f is expected to be available for Orange’s enterprise customers in France on Dec. 15, with retail availability planned for January. Blackberry service should be available in other Orange markets across Europe in a phased rollout during 2006, Orange and RIM stated.
“The BlackBerry 8700f is a revolutionary mobile communications device that leverages all the benefits of Orange’s high-speed EDGE network. This is a significant innovation and its launch is an important step forward in our strategic relationship with Research In Motion,” said Jean Marie Culpin, vice president of business solutions at Orange. “The EDGE-enabled BlackBerry 8700f from Orange is an excellent choice for our customers who want an unrivalled data and voice experience to keep them connected and productive while they are away from their desk.”
“We are pleased to partner with Orange to launch the BlackBerry 8700f in France,” said RIM President and chief executive Mike Lazaridis “The new BlackBerry 8700f was engineered to provide the ultimate balance of performance, design and function and Orange’s high-speed EDGE network will allow customers to experience the full potential of this device.”
