8ta readies BlackBerry offering

By Leigh-Ann Francis
Johannesburg, 26 Nov 2010

Fourth mobile operator 8ta is testing BlackBerry smartphones on its network and will likely be ready with an offering early next year.

The operator is also in discussions with Apple to offer its iPhone smartphone range, but was unable to give any details at this point as it is bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement.

The BlackBerry play will be a significant one for the newcomer, as it has been recognised as a fast-growing cellular brand in SA.

BlackBerry smartphones were rated as the second “most popular cellphone” in the annual Sunday Times Generation Next Survey 2010. In 2009, BlackBerry smartphones were ranked fifth, and in 2008, the brand was ranked seventh.

8ta has already come to market with a strong smartphone play, including an extensive range of Nokia, HTC, Samsung, Motorola and Sony handsets.

The operator has not given any details around how it will structure its BlackBerry deals. However, on 8ta's highest-end contract deal, customers receive 500 free on-net minute calls, 200 free minutes to other networks and 50MB free data.

Vodacom, MTN and Cell C already offer the BlackBerry smartphones. However, only Vodacom and MTN offer Apple's iPhones.