Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) shares jumped 8.15 percent to $15.65 in late trading after the company announced that it has received a purchase order for 1 million BlackBerry 10 devices – the biggest single order in the history of BlackBerry.
Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) didn’t reveal the name of the company or the model which was ordered. But it did state that the order was from one of its “established partners.” The company said its partner has asked to start shipments immediately.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) plans to launch the much awaited BlackBerry Z10 in the United States on March 22, and has already started taking pre-orders. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced to offer the device on a two-year postpaid contract at $199. Rival Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has also to start selling the device on March 28, and the company has started taking pre-orders from today. “With strong partner support, coupled with this truly re-invented new platform, we have a powerful recipe for success,” said Rick Costanzo, vice president of Global Sales at Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB).
Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) unveiled the new devices Z10 and Q10 on January 30. BlackBerry Z10 is already available in many international markets including Canada and the United Kingdom. But the launch of BlackBerry 10 in the United States is much more crucial for the company, and that would be a tough battle as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (KRX:005930) is planning to launch its highly anticipated Galaxy S4 soon.
There are speculations regarding which company might have placed the order. Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) said its “partner” has placed the order, not the “customer.” So, telecom carriers could be the possible candidates here. Whether it’s AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) or any other company, by ordering 1 million devices the “partner” has shown faith in BB10 operating system.
Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is expected to announce its fourth quarter and full year results on March 28, 2013.
