BlackBerry's Z10 smartphone will go on sale in the US on March 22 as the Canadian handset maker continues the rebuilding process. The phone will be available on AT&T first, although T-Mobile and Verizon are also expected to carry the device sometime this month according to unnamed sources as reported by Bloomberg.
To say that BlackBerry is counting on solid sales in the US would be an understatement as the region is responsible for roughly 20 percent of the company's revenue. Most would expect the phone to launch in the US first but that wasn't the case due to the fact that wireless carriers have longer testing period for phones than other countries. By the end of this week, the Z10 will have already debuted in 21 countries around the globe.
The handset received mostly favorable reviews among media when it was first unveiled. Unsurprisingly, AT&T, BlackBerry and Verizon were all mum when asked for comment. Sprint isn't planning to sell the Z10, instead opting to carry the Q10 later this year. Unlike the Z10, the Q10 features a physical keyboard similar to older models that were once popular among consumers.
When it finally arrives, we know the BlackBerry Z10 will sell for $199 with a two year service agreement through Verizon. Pricing from other carriers is unknown but we suspect they will be in line with Verizon's offerings to remain competitive.
Do you think the new wave of BlackBerry 10 smartphones have what it takes to propel the company into a major player in the wireless industry once again or is it a case of too little, too late?