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Cincinnati Bell's Blaze is probably the rarest carrier-branded Android phone you'll find in the States
Of all the regionals to score a completely custom, self-branded Android device, we admit that we wouldn't have guessed that Cincinnati Bell would be in that list -- and yet the carrier managed to roll out this here "Blaze" running Android 1.6 "at speeds 86 percent faster than AT&T and Verizon." That's a pretty bold claim, but our tipster reports that he saw 2Mbps down and 1Mbps up on a phone he checked out -- not bad, all things considered. Unfortunately, the phone appears to have a rather wacky skin, which -- considering the no-name brand involved here -- might really doom the Blaze to an Eclair- and Froyo-free life. Hit up the gallery below for some shots of the phone in the wild, or march into your Cincinnati Bell store to grab one for $100 on contract. [Thanks, Justin H. and Adam M.] %Gallery-93806%
Cincinnati Bell lands Nokia's XpressMusic 5800: $149.99
Good one, Cincinnati Bell -- you totally got us. Oh, wait. This isn't a joke? For the second time in as many months, the aforesaid carrier has somehow managed to land a white-hot Nokia handset before any other operator in America. This go 'round, the company is becoming the first in the US to offer a subsidized version of Nokia's polarizing XpressMusic 5800, bringing it to customers in the Ohio region for $149.99. Those looking to do without any strings can procure one for $349.99 (which is still $50 less than what Nokia's asking), but it's the bragging rights here that make it all worthwhile. So, how long before a real carrier follows suit?Update: And here's the press release.[Thanks, Adam]
White Nokia E71 arrives in America... on Cincinnati Bell
Whoa, wait up, what's this? On the very same day that Nokia's white E71 invaded North America via Rogers Wireless, one of America's least known carriers is following suit for those in and around the great state of Ohio. For reasons unknown, Cincinnati Bell (of all carriers) has managed to pick up the suddenly hot color of this here QWERTY-packin' smartphone, and best of all, it's available for free on a two-year agreement. What's next? Mexico getting this for -$100 after rebate?[Thanks, Jordan]Update: You can also get this bad boy unlocked, if you're so inclined. Still, though, seriously -- much love, Cincinnati Bell. You're a prince among carriers for launching this for free on contract. Thanks, Chris!
