SYDNEY: Canadian smartphone firm BlackBerry has launched its throwback phone the BlackBerry Classic exclusive to Telstra, at least for now.
Available today in Australia, the BlackBerry Classic is an effort to revisit the company’s glory days with a physical keyboard and the company’s famous secure messaging system.
The phone’s available exclusively with Telstra for now, on a range of plans that cost between $63 to $130 on Telstra’s S, M, L, XL plans, but a BlackBerry spokesperson said the phone may be available with other carriers down the track.
The Classic is also available outright with Telstra for $504. Meanwhile, Kogan is offering the phone outright network unlocked for $589, though it’s likely a grey import.
Matthew Ball, managing director for BlackBerry in Australia, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Telstra to launch our latest device, which is purpose-built for Australian customers who just want to get things done.
“The BlackBerry Classic is the powerful communication tool that many of our previous BlackBerry Bold and Curve users have been waiting for – a secure device that feels familiar in your hands, but with the added performance and agility for optimal productivity when you’re on the move.”
The company said its new device improves the BlackBerry Bold 9900 with three times faster browser, 60 per cent more screen space, 50 per cent longer battery life, and a greater variety of applications through BlackBerry World and the Amazon Appstore.
Today’s launch follow’s December’s release of the BlackBerry Passport, which was similarly available exclusively with Optus.
