BlackBerry 10 prepay devices on hold until 2014

Manufacturer to focus prepay sales on BlackBerry 7 and 7.1 handsets.
BlackBerry managing director for Europe Stephen Bates has revealed that the manufacturer will not be bringing any BlackBerry 10 prepay devices to market until 2014, Mobile Today has reported.
Speaking to Mobile, Bates said that BlackBerry would be focussing prepay sales on its BlackBerry 7 and 7.1 devices. “With BB10 we are trying to establish a new platform. We are intending to expand the portfolio towards the mid-tier in 2013 and entry-level phones will come next year.”
BlackBerry’s decision to release its touch-screen Z10 smartphone first was deemed a risky move by some, with many retailers and operators showing a preference for the Q10, which features the manufacturer’s trademark physical keyboard.
However, despite initial orders reflecting an air of caution, Jefferies analyst Peter Jefferies commented following launch: “We believe Carphone Warehouse is seeing widespread sell-outs, while O2, Vodafone, Orange and EE are seeing robust demand.”
Bates explained that the decision to release the Z10 first was in order to emphasise the innovative nature of the new operating system. He commented: “With the touch-screen handset, it was a case that that device was the best way to articulate the cinematic experience across the screen, the power of the applications, the power of browsing and showing off the innovation.”

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