BlackBerry Bold 9700 ... now available on Cell C

Catching up with the incumbent mobile operators, Cell C will finally begin selling the BlackBerry and its services in a move that will better position SA’s smallest mobile operator in the business market.

Until now, the Blackberry devices and the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) have only been available from MTN and Vodacom.

But Cell C is gearing up for a fight with its two bigger rivals, and is in the process of building an advanced, third-generation network that will offer high-speed wireless broadband access.

Prepaid customers on Vodacom and MTN pay a flat rate for BIS of about R60/month for unlimited surfing, e-mail access and social networking. However, the contract price differs depending on the package customers are on.

Cell C will join its competitors after years of not having the smartphone in its arsenal. According to Cell C’s call centre, the operator will charge R2/day, or about the same monthly charge as the other operators.

The company also has a dedicated contract package for the BlackBerry as a bolt on for its All Week 100 package. The offering will cost customers R199/month, with the BlackBerry Internet service free on a 24-month contract.

For now, Cell C says it will bring out the BlackBerry Curve 8520, the upgraded curve 8900 and the Bold 9700, considered one of the best BlackBerry devices.

Vodacom and MTN both sell the Storm 9520 touch screen device as well.

All three companies also offer the BlackBerry Enterprise Server package for business customers.

Cell C is hosting a press conference on Wednesday at which it is expected to provide an update on its 3G network roll-out plans and its strategy for growing its market share. — Staff reporter, TechCentral