Verizon, BlackBerry Introduce Dual-Mode Phone

RIM on Wednesday introduced a new phone for the Verizon Wireless network that would allow the carrier's customers to use the phone overseas. Included in the phone is a dual-mode chip compatible with both CDMA and GSM.

Verizon's use of the Qualcomm-backed technology was a bit of a problem for its customers, as they had to request another phone from the company that was compatible with GSM when traveling overseas.

"[BlackBerry] is the gold standard for the international enterprise, and with its unique blend of form, function and value, we expect this device to quickly become our top selling BlackBerry for domestic use as well," chief marketing officer Mike Lanman.

CDMA is mostly used in the United States and several Asian countries, but for the most part GSM is a standard in the rest of the world. The GSM Association estimates that as much as 80 to 85 percent of mobile phone customers use the technology.

The BlackBerry 8830 will cost $399.99 initially with a $100 rebate available. Customers would be permitted to order the 8830 online starting May 14, and through stores beginning on May 28.

When a user moves between CDMA and GSM, the phone would automatically switch without any user interaction. Special international data plans have also been announced with the phone which would cost $64.99 per month with a voice plan and $69.99 without.