BlackBerry Curve 3G and Pearl 3G Heading to AT&T This Holiday Season

By Evan Selleck/Sept. 29, 2010 11:53 am EST

RIM's BlackBerry Pearl 3G, which was announced some time ago, has been a no-show (here in the States) for quite some time. But it looks like AT&T is about to make that change, as the second largest wireless carrier in the United State has just announced that the device, along with the BlackBerry Curve 3G, are heading to their retail shelves this holiday season. The Pearl 3G will actually be available before the Curve 3G, and interestingly enough, neither device will require you to send in a mail-in rebate.

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G will be landing in stores, and be available online, beginning October 17th. You'll have to sign a new, two-year contract to get your mitts on the device for the price of !49.99, but you won't have to send in a mail-in rebate. As for the BlackBerry Curve 3G, that's landing in stores some time before December 25th, but no exact date was given. It will only cost you $99.99 on a new, two-year contract — but like the Pearl 3G, you won't have to send in any kind of rebate. Interestingly enough, the Curve 3G is BlackBerry 6 ready, but the Pearl 3G doesn't seem to be, according to the press release. Check out the full press release below. Any AT&T customers/BlackBerry fans out there eagerly anticipating these releases?

Press Release

Key Facts

AT&T*, exclusive U.S. provider of BlackBerry® Torch™, announced today it will introduce two new smartphones, the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 3G (model 9100) and the BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G (model 9300), from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX:RIM).

BlackBerry Curve 3G will be available in AT&T stores, online and in business channels in time for the holidays. It will be available in stores and online for $99.99 (no rebate required).

BlackBerry Pearl 3G will be available for $149.99 (no rebate required) beginning October 17 in AT&T stores, online and in business channels.

New smartphone customers may choose from two AT&T monthly data plan options, $15 for 200 MB of wireless data or $25 for 2 GB.

No matter how you stay in touch – whether through voice calls or social networking – the new BlackBerry smartphones connect you in style. Customers can stay connected with friends and family on the go through a broad variety of apps like Facebook® and BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger). In addition to pre-loaded social networking apps, both the BlackBerry Curve 3G and BlackBerry Pearl 3G now include BlackBerry App World™, with purchases automatically included on AT&T customers' bill.

Both new smartphones feature Wi-Fi® connectivity, and qualifying AT&T customers receive access to the entire AT&T national Wi-Fi network included as part of their data plan. AT&T's has the nation's largest Wi-Fi network with more than 23,000 U.S. hotspots.

BlackBerry Curve 3G

The BlackBerry Curve 3G, the first 3G BlackBerry Curve from AT&T, features the iconic BlackBerry design with a full QWERTY keyboard and optical trackpad. The new smartphone features built-in GPS, as well as dedicated media keys, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go. It also features a camera that can record video and a microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage. Support for 3G networks makes browsing faster, streaming music smoother, and gives users the ability to talk on the phone while they browse the web, instant message with BBM™ or share their location with friends on popular social networking sites. The BlackBerry Curve offers an exceptional BlackBerry experience at an affordable price.

AT&T will also make the popular AT&T U-verse® Mobile app available for AT&T U-verse TV customers who also have the BlackBerry Curve 9300. U-verse Mobile lets U-verse TV customers manage their DVR recordings, download hit TV shows over any Wi-Fi connection, and watch them on their BlackBerry Curve 9300 from anywhere. The app will be available to all U-verse TV customers, and the ability to download and watch select content will be available for customers that subscribe to the U300 package or higher.

BlackBerry Curve 3G is also BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G in the coming months.

BlackBerry Pearl 3G

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphone is the smallest BlackBerry® smartphone yet and is as powerful as it is compact. Measuring less than two inches wide and weighing only 3.3 ounces, it still manages to pack in support for high-speed 3G networks, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and GPS along with a high resolution display. It also features an optical trackpad for smooth navigation, dedicated volume and media keys for added convenience, a 3.2 MP camera with flash for quality pictures on the go, and support for up to 32 GB of personal content. The BlackBerry Pearl, available in a red gradient, is ideal for customers who prefer a compact device, but still want a smartphone that delivers a full BlackBerry experience.

Quotes

"AT&T continues to expand our offering of BlackBerry smartphones, including the recently launched BlackBerry Torch, to suit the various needs of our customers," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "As the first U.S. carrier to offer BlackBerry service, we are pleased to add the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and BlackBerry Curve 3G to our portfolio, which deliver style without compromising features or functionality."

"The BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry Pearl series of smartphones have become extremely popular around the world by giving customers all the powerful BlackBerry communications, media and social networking capabilities they expect, in compact, stylish and easy-to-use handset designs. These new 3G models offer faster performance and a very attractive mix of features and services for AT&T customers," said Carlo Chiarello, vice president, Global Handset Business, Research In Motion.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

1 Price of $99.99 and $149.99 requires a 2-year service agreement and smartphone data plan.

2 Mobile Broadband/3G coverage not available in all areas.

3 Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract & rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T's owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activ. fee applies. Equipment price & avail may vary by mrk & may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose add'l fees. Smartphone Data Plan Requirement: Smartphones require a DataPlus (200MB) or DataPro (2GB) plan. If you exceed your initial data allowance, you will automatically be charged an additional $10 for each additional 1GB provided on DataPro or an additional $15 for each additional 200MB provided on DataPlus. All data allowances, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which the allowance is provided or they will be forfeited. For more details on Data Plans, go to att.com/dataplans Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

4 Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services. Call or go to www.att.com/u-verse to see if you qualify. U-verse Mobile: Download and watch available for select shows and requires qualifying smartphone, U300 or higher TV plan and Wi-Fi connection. Downloaded shows available for viewing for limited time periods.

5 Largest Wi-Fi based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.