Optus introduces 3G BlackBerry

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 15 August 2006 13:05

Your IT - Home IT

Optus has followed hot on the heels of Vodafone Australia in launching a 3G version of the BlackBerry, the 8707g. The 8707 is a quad band device supporting 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS networks so will provide BlackBerry and other cellphone functions when roaming outside Australia.
When new dashboard software is released in September, it will also be possible to use the 8707 as a mobile broadband modem, allowing customers to keep laptops connected to a mobile broadband data network. Vodafone is selling its version for $799, including GST. Optus has not announced prices.

Also, Vodafone is offering 'free' BlackBerry Enterprise Server software to enable small enterprises to have their own BlackBerry Enterprise Server (it is free only with a single user account, additional licences are charged). Optus, however, appears to be promoting the Internet based version of the server to small businesses.

According to a joint Optus/Research In Motion press release, "For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service  allows users to access up to ten corporate and personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP email accounts) from a single handset."