China Unicom introduces BlackBerry smartphones and services

State-owned telecommunications operator China Unicom has begun offering BlackBerry smartphones and services in China. Although primarily targeting enterprises, the telecoms operator will offer the BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphones first in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, with a nationwide roll out expected by September this year.

China Unicom offers BlackBerry data plans ranging from 60 to 128 Chinese yuan a month (the equivalent of $10 to $20 USD), as well as 3G service plans starting at 96 CNY a month ($15 USD). With this attractive pricing, it is only a matter of time before the Chinese population fully adopts mobile data and eventually, the smartphone lifestyle.

Source: Research in Motion

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