BlackBerry 8820 Coming to AT&T
RIM’s new BlackBerry 8820 may arrive sooner than the end of summer timeframe the company announced, say insiders within AT&T. Although an August release is possible, the smartphone may be ready as early as “next week” and would immediately replace the 8800 as the top-end BlackBerry in the provider’s lineup due to its addition of Wi-Fi. Sales staff would be discouraged from mentioning Wi-Fi, however, in order to encourage buyers to sign up for a more lucrative data plan.
The claimed sources also indicate that the 8820 would be an AT&T exclusive, shutting out T-Mobile from US sales. Prices would nevertheless match those for the 8800 despite the addition of Wi-Fi and would start at $300 with a two-year contract, climbing to $500 for some existing customers or those who want to remain on a month-to-month agreement.
