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Week Around the Ists
We have learned to take news of Blackberry coming to China with a huge chunk of salt, but, for what it's worth, here is the latest:
China gets RIM's BlackBerry at last Service will operate in cooperation with China MobileUS-based mobile messaging firm Research in Motion (RIM) will launch its BlackBerry text messaging service in China next month.
RIM will operate the service across the country in cooperation with local mobile phone company, China Mobile, RIM chairman Jim Balsillie said during an earnings release conference call.
The deal has been more than 18 months in the making; RIM signed an initial letter of agreement with China Mobile in September 2004.
The company did not explain the reasons behind the apparently delayed roll out. The BlackBerry service is already available in Hong Kong.
Before you get too excited, here are some things to keep in mind: RIM is not American, it's Canadian, and there is a no mention of a RIM/China Mobile deal mentioned on either RIM's site or China Mobile's.
China Unicom, however, is launching something called Redberry, but we don't know much about that.
Also on Shanghaiist:
Blackberry in China: Just a matter of when
Basically, everything from our Blackberry post is probably false
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I heard that BlackBerry was doing tests in Beijing.
It's unsure if the BB smartphone will be on sale at the same time when RIM starts its services in CHINA.
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why exactly would anyone in China want a BlackBerry when you guys already have handsets and 3g networks that are so beyond what the BlackBerry can do?
Sure, in North America BBs are status symbols for button-down executives who don't know any better, but all they're good for is push email -- and lots of other handsets can do that just as well!
Put a camera and a half-decent web browser on a BlackBerry and you might pique my interest... Otherwise? Meh.
Andrew,
I live in China and could really use a push email handset with a qwerty keyboard (not for status but because I am away from a desk frequently but need to remain in email contact)... it was my understanding Blackberry was the best for this. Can you point out some other handsets already available in China that would meet my needs?
Thanks,
LAT
Andrew,
Still there? Would be a great help if you had any insight on my question from earlier.
Thanks,
LAT
"Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why exactly would anyone in China want a BlackBerry when you guys already have handsets and 3g networks that are so beyond what the BlackBerry can do?"
I use Blackberry 'cuze its push-mail technology and believe me it paid me a lot so far. I'm a freelance photographer/photojournalist and geting e-mails instantly helped me many times, by responding in no delay and geting the job. Of course if you like "digital-camera" built in your cell phone, better web browser- there are better "handy's". FOr me again. If I have ot send my work "from the spot" I use my 12'' laptop and WiFi to send the photos to the agency.
All the best,
wojtek
Just an update, looks like RIM is coming to China afterall. According to this phoenix TV article. RIM/China Mobile will launch push-email service in June. That is until they change their mind of course. Will find out soon enuf.
Check with China Mobile today and the reply was " it will be available in the later half of the year and someone else had asked about too"(literally translated). Does leave alot of room for flexibility if there is a slip in launch date.
Saw an ad on the recent Air China inflt mag by China Mobile on the Blackberry with usage plans and contact numbers. Check it out