Vodafone releases 3G BlackBerry
26-06-2006
by Maxim Kelly

 

The latest BlackBerry 8707v from Research in Motion (RIM) is a 3G phone which supports the trademark BlackBerry push e-mail system popular among mobile business workers.

Because this latest handset will connect to Vodafone's Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) network, the device should be able to download and display e-mail file attachments on its landscape QVGA LCD display faster than BlackBerries working on standard GSM networks can. UMTS is a 3G permanent wideband internet connection which handles data throughput at speeds between 384Kbps and 2Mbps.

The 8707v also has quadband GSM connectivity and can be used as a phone to send or receive voice calls either in Ireland or abroad based on Vodafone's roaming tariffs. The BlackBerry 8707v will also work as a "tethered" 3G modem for laptop users.

According to Vodafone, the key advantage of the latest BlackBerry is that customers will now be able to more easily view Word, PDF, JPEG, XLS and PowerPoint attachments on the device. This was technically possible with existing BlackBerries, but because of the speed of 3G connectivity, attachments can now be downloaded much faster.

An additional selling point of the new handset is its ability to send and receive e-mail, or use other mobile applications, while simultaneously functioning as a phone to take calls.

"BlackBerry from Vodafone has become hugely successful in Ireland, helping mobile staff to save time and boost efficiency. Likewise, thousands of companies are benefiting from our UMTS network. The BlackBerry 8707v leverages the Vodafone network to provide BlackBerry customers with access to the internet, e-mail, phone and corporate data applications quickly while out of the office," said Shane Brodbin, BlackBerry Product Manager at Vodafone Ireland.

The 8707v has 64MB flash memory, a full Qwerty "thumb board", built-in speaker phone, and a Bluetooth connection for use with headsets and car kits.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server software will integrate with Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise systems in the office. This should facilitate secure, push-based wireless access to e-mail and other corporate data.

For individual users or smaller businesses, the BlackBerry Internet Service is designed to manage up to 10 corporate and personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and a range of ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.

Vodafone is also expected to launch the Nokia E61 smartphone, which runs BlackBerry Connect enabling and looks not dissimilar to the BlackBerry handset. Due for release in July, Vodafone said it will be priced at EUR199 including VAT.