The latest BlackBerry Passport and BlackBerry Classic smartphones are headed to AT&T in the U.S., launching on Friday, Feb. 20.
Although it's been a while since the two handsets made their formal debuts, so far interested customers in the U.S. did not have the option to buy them at subsidized prices. That's all about to change in a few days, as AT&T will become the first U.S. carrier to offer the BlackBerry Passport and BlackBerry Classic on contract.
Both smartphones will become available for purchase at AT&T online and retail stores starting Friday, Feb. 20.
The BlackBerry Passport will be an AT&T exclusive and will retail for $200 with a two-year contract or $650 contract-free. The BlackBerry Classic, meanwhile, will cost $50 on a two-year contract or $420 contract-free.
Interested customers will also be able to purchase the handsets on AT&T's monthly payment plans.
The BlackBerry Passport will be available for $0 down on an AT&T Next plan at $21.67 per month with AT&T Next 24, $27.09 per month with Next 18, or $32.50 per month with AT&T Next 12.
The BlackBerry Classic will be available for $0 down and $14 per month with AT&T Next 24, $17.50 per month with AT&T Next 18, or $21 per month with AT&T Next 12.
"The BlackBerry Passport is ideal for the mobile professional who wants an innovative wireless device focused on security and productivity. Available first in the U.S. on the AT&T network, customers will benefit from the uniquely designed Passport's enhanced features, including a wider screen, 32GB of storage, and a 3450 mAh battery," said Jeff Bradley, AT&T Senior Vice President of Device Marketing and Developer Services.
"The BlackBerry Classic is an excellent addition to AT&T's leading line-up of smartphones. AT&T customers will be thrilled with the Classic. It blends the best of familiar features, such as BlackBerry's QWERTY keyboard with enhanced capabilities including BlackBerry Blend and Assistant."
Both the BlackBerry Passport and the BlackBerry Classic stirred plenty of interest so far, and are expected to be even more popular at subsidized prices. Both handsets run the latest BlackBerry 10.3 OS with several neat features, including the company's own digital assistant aptly called BlackBerry Assistant.
Verizon Wireless is expected to start offering the BlackBerry Classic soon as well, but the carrier has yet to provide any specific launch and pricing details.
