BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) is touting that its BB10 platform is now in the labs of 50 carriers, with handsets pegged for Q1 2013 release.
Struggling RIM climbed the most in nearly a month after announcing that 50 wireless carriers worldwide had begun lab-testing BlackBerry 10 smartphones, a sign that the delayed handsets are actually on track this time for launching during the first quarter of next year.
"In the last week, BlackBerry 10 achieved lab entry with more than 50 carriers - a key step in our preparedness for the launch of BlackBerry 10 in the first quarter of 2013," RIM CEO Thorsten Heins stated on Wednesday, Oct. 31. "This process will continue in the coming months as more carriers around the world formally evaluate the devices and our brand new software."
Heins said he has several weeks visiting carrier partners worldwide to shot them the BB10 platform, and share RIM's plans for launch. According to the CEO, the carrier partners' response was "tremendous," and everybody is excited about the idea of launching BlackBerry 10 in their markets. RIM's technical and commercial teams are currently engaged in preparing the launch of BlackBerry 10, added Thorsten, and the lab entry is a crucial milestone.
"The hard work will not stop here as we build towards launch. Our developer teams are continuing to generate momentum to bring a wealth of applications to BlackBerry 10, our enterprise teams have started to present BlackBerry 10 devices and services to our business customers, and our engineers are fully mobilized to ensure that BlackBerry 10 launches flawlessly in the first quarter of 2013," said the CEO.
Staying on track with the latest launch plans is essential for RIM, as the company has been struggling to launch BlackBerry 10 after numerous delays. Postponing the launch has marred RIM's reputation and market share, and have also cost the company the chance of exploiting the lucrative holiday shopping season.
Thorsten Heins' announcement indicates that RIM is on track this time with its early 2013 deadline, and the good news drove RIM shares to trade up well over four percent.
As Apple's iOS and Google's Android platforms are increasingly widening their dominance, carriers are looking for a third viable option to lessen their reliance on the two tech giants. Carriers are currently focusing on smartphones running Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system, but if RIM plays its cards right it might give Microsoft a run for its money and take the third spot.
