Telstra are going Bold but also doing the BIS on it. That’s right, the telco are offering BB server bundling on BlackBerry Bold 9900 with free/web mails. BlackBerry’s skinniest smartphone, Bold 9900 touchscreen, first carried by Optus as an ‘exclusive’ has now been passed over to Telstra featuring a 1.2 GHz processor, Liquid Graphics to bring the screen to life , 720p HD video recording.
But 2.8″ Bold also boasts the infamous BB QWERTY keyboard, a 5MP camera, 8GD of internal memory, HSPA+, Wi-Fi and runs on BlackBerry 7 OS.
Looks wise, the next gen skinny Bold (10.5mm) features “premium materials, a lustrous exterior with a brushed stainless steel frame and a high-gloss glass-weave backplate.”
Telstra expect the new Bold will go down a treat, according to Tim Webber, Director of Mobile, as it is thinner, faster and more powerful than before. BlackBerry, notorious as a business device also now doubles over as a personal phone, separating personal from corporate content.
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Bold 9900 features some “innovative enhancements, entertainment features and apps which combine with trusted BlackBerry security and best-in-class email to create the perfect smartphone for work and play,” said Adele Beachley, RIM the maker of BlackBerry, Managing Director Australia.
BlackBerry latest 7 OS is faster with a better user experience, improved browsing, voice-activated searches like it’s iPhone rival Siri, BBM 6 (BlackBerry’s Instant Messenger service to communicate with other BB mates) and connect via apps and music.
Telstra are offering the BlackBerry on Freedom Connect plans from today and unlike Optus are bundling a very sweet extra: BlackBerry Individual Service (BIS), which gives ‘unlimited’ BB emails and internet browsing via BlackBerry’s own browser, meaning users can web surf ’til the cows come home, literally.
$99 Freedom Connect Plan for 24 months (min cost over 24 months is $2,376) with $0 upfront, includes $1,200 worth of calls and MMS plus unlimited text and 2.5GB of data in Australia.
Business customers can get Bold on a range of Business Maximiser plans including for $0 upfront on the $129 Unlimited plan (min cost over 24 months $3,096).
Optus, on the other hand, who have been flogging the device since August, are offering 9900 on a $79 cap over 24 months, with 3GB data and $900 of calls/ texts but BIS service is extra.
This plan includes unlimited calls, SMS, MMS & Messagebank within Australia and includes 3GB of data for use in Australia.
And despite the relationship with Optus, RIM say they are “excited” to be heading to Telstra with the 9900.
“We’ve received great feedback that consumers and business customers alike are very impressed by the new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and we are excited to offer the device to Telstra customers,” Beachley added.