No New Blackberry phones?

[john_v]

Well this is a little more than disappointing...press release/roadmap with no mention of anything from RIM. Means I'm going to either have to rethink my carrier or rethink my phone. Sounds like they'll be getting the CDMA version of the MOTO Atrix that Sprint announced today...definitely piques my interest.


U.S. CELLULAR TO LAUNCH EIGHT SMARTPHONES, TWO TABLETS AND ITS FIRST 4G LTE DEVICES
Touchscreen devices offer customers more features and functions to enhance their lives
CHICAGO (June 09, 2011) – Between now and the end of the year, U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) is expanding its portfolio of cutting-edge devices with more features, handset styles and pricing options to help its customers select the one that meets their needs and helps them stay connected.

U.S. Cellular plans to launch seven smartphones that run on the Android™ operating system, including its first 4G-enabled smartphone. Two mobile tablets are planned along with the carrier's first Windows® Phone 7 device. U.S. Cellular will also roll out its first wave of 4G LTE devices in November.

"Our new smartphones and tablets are packed with faster processors similar to those in personal computers for improved web browsing, video streaming, playing games and being more productive on the go," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular also get unique benefits with all of our devices, like new phones faster without continuously signing contracts, and join the happiest customers in wireless."

Large touchscreens and options for full QWERTY keypads make it easier for customers to stay organized and take advantage of all the time-saving applications and functions that enhance their lives. Wi-Fi capabilities offer another means to quickly access important information and entertainment. All of the Android-powered phones will run the 2.3 operating system, also known as Gingerbread, and are pre-loaded with popular Google™ applications like Gmail™ and Google Maps™.

U.S. Cellular's entire line-up of devices is backed by its high-speed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. Customers can also select from a range of national bundled plans that are designed to match how they use their phones. A family of four who switches to the Premium Plus Family plan can save more than $1,000 a year and the Primary Plus Plan, which includes 5 GB of data, unlimited text video and picture messaging, and 450 minutes with free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, and mobile-to-mobile calls, is the best value in wireless at $79.99.

U.S. Cellular plans to launch four devices from HTC Corp. beginning this summer, including the carrier's first Windows Phone device that runs the Windows 7™ operating system. The Live Tiles on the Windows 7 homescreen show all of the messages, voicemails, e-mails and social network status updates in a single glance. U.S. Cellular also will launch a mobile tablet from HTC in early fall, which has a 7-inch screen and can be held in one hand for easy access to hundreds of thousands of Android applications. Two additional Android-powered phones from HTC are expected to launch in the fall.

Customers looking for the most advanced devices will have more options this fall. A Motorola smartphone with dual-core 1 GHz processors and 4.3-inch touchscreen is optimized for multimedia applications like watching TV and movies, and has worldphone capabilities for global travelers. One of the slimmest and lightest smartphones is coming from LG, though it's also heavy on features with a 1 GHz processor, 4-inch touchscreen and ultra-bright LCD display that is easy to view in sunlight. Both devices run on the Android operating system.

Those who want to step up to a smartphone this fall will be able to choose from new entry-level devices from Samsung and Huawei, which have just the right amount of features to help first-time smartphone owners realize the power of Android technology.

In addition to its expanded smartphone selection, U.S. Cellular is launching two new messaging devices from Samsung that have a slide-out QWERTY keypad and the added convenience of 2.8-inch touchscreen. They're ideal for customers who prefer to stay connected to their friends and family through talking and texting, and are expected to launch this summer.

About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with the unmatched benefits of The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project, named Frost & Sullivan's Customer Value Enhancement of the Year, complements the Chicago-based carrier's growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. U.S. Cellular was recently named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and was also named one of Forbes Magazine's 2010 "Most Trustworthy Companies." To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

[aldejoode]

I saw this press release too. Wow. Are they phasing out Blackberry's completely? If so, I'm off to Verizon. Does anyone know anything? The new phones sound great and much needed...but no Blackberry's?

[dairyberry]

I was going to start this very thread. You beat me to it OP.

When I read the headline about new devices I got excited to find out which new BB were coming. What a let down.

I feel like USCC just kicked me right square in the nuts.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[john_v]

Yeah...sigh

If you look at the end of the press release on the uscc website, there's a email address. I sent an email to it, someone named steve carlson, and asked him about US Cells plans for BB. Hopefully I'll get a response.

[john_v]

The other thing is I was hoping maybe they'd have a separate announcement for BB, but they did include WP7 in this announcement.

Maybe they just don't have a release date from RIM yet....

[Invader3K]

Originally Posted by john_v

The other thing is I was hoping maybe they'd have a separate announcement for BB, but they did include WP7 in this announcement.

Maybe they just don't have a release date from RIM yet....

I'm thinking you are right and it has to do with lack of solid info from RIM.

[dairyberry]

I had to call into customer service. While I had them on the line I made a comment about the press release and the lack of any BB news.

The rep (who is a BB user) told me that the press release is just a teaser and there is more news comming. There just isn't enough details worked out to release yet.

I hope it's true.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[john_v]

At least that much offers a glimmer of hope...

Originally Posted by dairyberry

I had to call into customer service. While I had them on the line I made a comment about the press release and the lack of any BB news.

The rep (who is a BB user) told me that the press release is just a teaser and there is more news comming. There just isn't enough details worked out to release yet.

I hope it's true.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Xopher]

There are supposed to be two BB models coming (Monaco and Bold Touch), but since there have been delays, and USCC always seems to take longer to test and release, it makes sense they don't announce them until they have a more solid feel as to when RIM is going to actually have them ready for USCC.

[jerry12]

Sounds good to me & I hope a 4G BB comes out or I will leave BB. I am tired of waiting for BB to get there act together.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[pistolpetefan23]

Has the Monaco already been announced for USCC though? So maybe that's why it's not included in this release?

[john_v]

So if all the other carriers are announcing it, without offering date and pricing, why can't us cell do the same?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Invader3K]

Originally Posted by jerry12

Sounds good to me & I hope a 4G BB comes out or I will leave BB. I am tired of waiting for BB to get there act together.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

You do know US Cellular has 4G in very few areas, right?

[john_v]

In fact I don't think they have it all right now...supposed to launch around the holidays with a very limited phone set, from what I've heard, with their home location of Chicago not getting it in the first round.

[Droidophobe]

USCC addressed these questions about this press release on their facebook page and stated that they would be offering new BB's as well, without providing any details as to models or release dates.