Last week we heard tidbits of a deal between Alcatel-Lucent and Research in Motion that would bring pre-paid BlackBerry plans to emerging markets around the world. I wonder, however, if pre-paid BlackBerry plans here in the U.S. would be a hit?
Is there a big enough market for would be, pre-paid, BlackBerry users that it would warrant RIM, the wireless carriers, and even a few of the MVNOs like Virgin Mobile, Revel, Helio, etc., coming out with pre-paid BlackBerry plans?
T-Mobile has done pretty well with the SideKick. Would a pre-paid BlackBerry have similar success.
Let us know what you think.
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Nelson R. 02.20.08 at 10:36 am
If they do it here, TracFone should get on board just so that they could say that carry the TracBerry
Andrew 02.20.08 at 12:17 pm
BB’s solve business problems, as much as the Pearl is an awesome consumer phone - I am not sure that pre-paid fits into the demographic of BB users.
bluehorseshoe 02.20.08 at 3:26 pm
I doubt it. Most customers who use a BB for Business or personal use are typically heavy users who must or need to remain committed to email, information, etc., thus the device to a degree. If you’re going to committ, spend the beans on the device, need the service, etc., why bother going pre-paid.
As for emerging markets, I wouldn’t know. Not sure of all their options, needs, etc. Just my 2 cents.
Joan 02.21.08 at 12:43 pm
My kids, who both have SideKicks and pay their own pre-paid bills say that want Blackberries but cannot swicht because there is not pre-paid plan.
There might be a market for this among young adults