Verizon announced today that it will carry the first global BlackBerry which combines both GSM and CDMA capabilities. While in the US, it will operate on Verizon’s EV-DO network but it will be able to automatically select CDMA or GSM modes depending on where it is in the world. Called the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone, it will be a little bit taller than the BlackBerry 8800 and it will not come with a camera.
Verizon is also launching the Global BlackBerry service which will deliver an “always-on, always connected” phone connectivity in more than 150 countries and email service in than 60 countries.
The Verizon BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be released on May 14th to Verizon’s web site and business channels. Verizon retail stores will receive it about two weeks later. With a two year contract, it will sell for $299.99 USD.
Meanwhile, Sprint also announced the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone (in a black livery as opposed to the Verizon silver one).