BlackBerry launched its long-awaited BlackBerry 10 operating system in January this year and also introduced the all-touch BlackBerry Z10 and the QWERTY handset BlackBerry Q10. The BlackBerry Z10 is already known in the smartphone space and now the BlackBerry Q10 will soon hit shelves.
Even though the BlackBerry Q10 shared the stage with the BlackBerry Z10 at the BlackBerry 10's launch event, the former never received much attention until now, when the handset is on track to reach customers.
Canadian carrier Rogers became the first carrier to officially announce the BlackBerry Q10. Soon after, carriers TELUS and Fido announced that they will also offer the handset.
"Being a Rogers customer means you have access first to what's next in mobile technology. We're excited to be the first to offer Canadians a choice of the black or limited-time exclusive white BlackBerry Q10, enabled to run on our blazing fast 2600 MHz LTE spectrum," says John Boynton, executive vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer, Rogers Communications. "As we invest in innovative 2600 MHz-enabled devices, Rogers customers will continue to enjoy an enhanced, superior wireless experience versus any other carrier."
Rogers is selling the BlackBerry Q10 at a price tag of $199.99 on a three-year contract, and for $649.99 outright. TELUS will offer the handset for $199.00 on a three-year contract but will charge $700 if you want the handset outright. Fido will offer the handset for $350 on a two-year contract and $650 outright. The release date of the handset is not confirmed but it's expected that the BlackBerry Q10 will start shipping at the end of April.
Many mobile phone users would have thought that the 3.1-inch BlackBerry Q10 will be cheaper than the BlackBerry Z10; however, it's the other way around.
According to BlackBerry, the all-touch BlackBerry Z10 has attracted many customers. We will have to wait and see if the BlackBerry Q10 receives the same welcome as the BlackBerry Z10.
