Cell Phones Blog

Verizon Wireless today introduced the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone, the first global CDMA/GSM BlackBerry, and its new Global BlackBerry service, an “always-on, always connected” wireless email solution that provides access to email, contacts, calendar, organizer and the Web while on-the-go.


RIM BlackBerry 8830

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With the BlackBerry 8830 and Global BlackBerry, customers can place and receive voice calls from one local number for domestic and international use from more than 150 countries and send and receive emails in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide.

With Global BlackBerry service, Verizon Wireless customers can access Global Help Desk for 24-hour customer support, seven days a week. Customers also receive a calling card for free support calls while traveling outside of the U.S. from any landline phone to technical support if the BlackBerry 8830 is lost, broken or stolen.

The new BlackBerry 8830 offers the following capabilities and features:

- EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 60 countries
- GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and email while traveling internationally
- Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
- Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
- New Trackball navigation system
- Media player
- Expandable memory option with microSD card (sold separately)
- Speakerphone
- Bluetooth capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
- Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
- Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication

The BlackBerry 8830 will be available on May 14 through Verizon Wireless’ business sales channels and in stores on May 28 for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.

Customers signing up for Global BlackBerry service will get unlimited email in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide for $64.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan, or for $69.99 monthly access without a voice plan. Customers can also add a “Pay As You Go” data feature to any qualifying voice plan for an additional $20 per Megabyte. Customers wanting to use the BlackBerry 8830 for email solely in the U.S. may opt for an unlimited email plan beginning at $49.99 monthly access.

- RIM BlackBerry 8830 Specs