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AT&T welcoming BlackBerry Curve 3G and Pearl 3G to the fold later this year

Chris Ziegler
Updated ·5 min read

RIM products tend to have ultra-predictable launch cycles -- when Waterloo announces a new BlackBerry, odds are pretty great that your carrier's going to pick it up at some point, no matter what carrier that may be. So it goes with the Curve 3G and Pearl 3G; neither product is new, of course, but they're new to AT&T, which has just revealed that it'll be getting both this year. The Pearl seems like it'll probably be coming first, launching on October 17 for $149.99 on contract (in its 20-key flavor) with no rebate required; the Curve, meanwhile, slips in on a to-be-determined date "in time for the holidays" for $99.99 on contract, also sans rebate. Though no mention is made of upgradeability on the Pearl, the Curve is called out as being BlackBerry 6-ready -- RIM needs carrier buy-in to deploy these upgrades, so the fact that AT&T is saying it is notable. The Pearl's price seems way out of whack, but needless to say, we're sure some of the third-party resellers will be getting 'em out the door for a penny on contract within a few weeks. Follow the break for the press release.



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AT&T EXPANDS SMARTPHONE LINEUP WITH NEW 3G BLACKBERRY Smartphones

BlackBerry Curve 3G and BlackBerry Pearl 3G Coming Soon to the Nation's Fastest Mobile Broadband Network.

DALLAS, September 29, 2010

Key Facts

· AT&T*, exclusive U.S. provider of BlackBerry® Torch™, announced today it will introduce two new smartphones, the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 3G (model 9100) and the BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G (model 9300), from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX:RIM).

· BlackBerry Curve 3G will be available in AT&T stores, online and in business channels in time for the holidays. It will be available in stores and online for $99.99 (no rebate required).

· BlackBerry Pearl 3G will be available for $149.99 (no rebate required) beginning October 17 in AT&T stores, online and in business channels.

· New smartphone customers may choose from two AT&T monthly data plan options, $15 for 200 MB of wireless data or $25 for 2 GB.



No matter how you stay in touch – whether through voice calls or social networking – the new BlackBerry smartphones connect you in style. Customers can stay connected with friends and family on the go through a broad variety of apps like Facebook® and BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger). In addition to pre-loaded social networking apps, both the BlackBerry Curve 3G and BlackBerry Pearl 3G now include BlackBerry App World™, with purchases automatically included on AT&T customers' bill.

Both new smartphones feature Wi-Fi® connectivity, and qualifying AT&T customers receive access to the entire AT&T national Wi-Fi network included as part of their data plan. AT&T's has the nation's largest Wi-Fi network with more than 23,000 U.S. hotspots.


BlackBerry Curve 3G

The BlackBerry Curve 3G, the first 3G BlackBerry Curve from AT&T, features the iconic BlackBerry design with a full QWERTY keyboard and optical trackpad. The new smartphone features built-in GPS, as well as dedicated media keys, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go. It also features a camera that can record video and a microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage. Support for 3G networks makes browsing faster, streaming music smoother, and gives users the ability to talk on the phone while they browse the web, instant message with BBM™ or share their location with friends on popular social networking sites. The BlackBerry Curve offers an exceptional BlackBerry experience at an affordable price.



AT&T will also make the popular AT&T U-verse® Mobile app available for AT&T U-verse TV customers who also have the BlackBerry Curve 9300. U-verse Mobile lets U-verse TV customers manage their DVR recordings, download hit TV shows over any Wi-Fi connection, and watch them on their BlackBerry Curve 9300 from anywhere. The app will be available to all U-verse TV customers, and the ability to download and watch select content will be available for customers that subscribe to the U300 package or higher.



BlackBerry Curve 3G is also BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G in the coming months.


BlackBerry Pearl 3G

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphone is the smallest BlackBerry® smartphone yet and is as powerful as it is compact. Measuring less than two inches wide and weighing only 3.3 ounces, it still manages to pack in support for high-speed 3G networks, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and GPS along with a high resolution display. It also features an optical trackpad for smooth navigation, dedicated volume and media keys for added convenience, a 3.2 MP camera with flash for quality pictures on the go, and support for up to 32 GB of personal content. The BlackBerry Pearl, available in a red gradient, is ideal for customers who prefer a compact device, but still want a smartphone that delivers a full BlackBerry experience.