BlackBerry Priv will be available on T-Mobile starting next week. The carrier has revealed that it will offer the device at full retail price of $719 starting Jan. 26. AT&T’s exclusivity on the slider phone will end this week, says a report from Phone Arena.
BlackBerry Priv on T-Mobile
The BlackBerry Priv will be available to T-Mobile customers on the JUMP! On Demand program for a zero down payment and $34 monthly fee on an 18-month lease. The report further states that users will have two options at the end of the term. They can either return the Priv for a new unit or retain the device after paying the remaining balance.
The Priv will also be available for purchase to qualified customers for a zero down payment and monthly installments of $30 for 24 months. After T-Mobile begins selling the device, the Priv will also become available on Verizon and Sprint.
The BlackBerry Priv is the first Android smartphone from the company that combines the privilege of privacy with all of the critical features a user needs. The device comes with a BlackBerry keyboard, large display, powerful long-lasting battery, and BlackBerry’s productivity and security features, powerful specs and access to the world’s largest app ecosystem. The device has a virtual on-screen keyboard for users who do not like using the QWERTY keypad.
Broader release in the Middle East
The lackBerry Priv is witnessing a broader release in the Middle East. The first ever Android-powered BlackBerry smartphone will now be available to customers through the website and retail outlets of the Saudi Telecom Company (STC). As was expected, the device has been priced at SAR 2899 ($772 USD) but can be bought for less through postpaid bundles.
“PRIV is the first BlackBerry smartphone running Android, and it creates a new market opportunity for us in the Middle East with users who are entrenched in the Android ecosystem and who are seeking greater productivity and more powerful privacy features,” the Canadian firm said.
On Wednesday, BlackBerry shares closed up 2.22% at $6.90. Year to date, the stock is down by almost 26%, while in the last year, it is down by almost 33%. In premarket trading today, shares were up by over 2%. The stock has a 52-week high of $11.45 and a 52-week low of $5.96.
