BlackBerry 10 Secures Major UK Carrier Support Ahead of 2013 Launch
Research In Motion (RIM) has secured a crucial victory for its upcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, with all major UK carriers confirming distribution deals for the next-generation devices launching in January 2013.
Full Carrier Backing for BB10
- EE will offer BB10 devices across its 4GEE network (the UK’s first 4G service) as well as its Orange and T-Mobile 3G brands
- O2 publicly announced its participation via Twitter, promising BB10 availability in early 2013
- Vodafone has quietly joined the BB10 distribution network
- Even smaller carrier Three confirmed it will carry the new BlackBerry devices
Strategic Importance for RIM
This widespread carrier support comes at a critical time for RIM, whose global smartphone market share dwindled to just 4.3% in Q3 2012 according to IDC data. The company appears to be avoiding carrier exclusives in favor of maximum market penetration.
Global BB10 Rollout Takes Shape
The UK announcements follow similar momentum in other markets:
- Canadian carrier Rogers has already opened customer reservations for unspecified BB10 devices
- RIM plans to launch both QWERTY and full-touchscreen BB10 models
Bridging the Platform Gap
RIM has implemented several strategic initiatives to maintain interest during the transition:
- Enterprise incentives including free BB10 devices for qualifying businesses
- Early seeding of BB10 software and hardware to select government and corporate clients
- Developer programs to accelerate BB10 app ecosystem growth
These carrier partnerships represent a significant step in RIM’s comeback strategy as it prepares to compete in the increasingly crowded smartphone market.
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