OAO Mobile TeleSystems, Russia’s largest mobile operator, plans to begin selling BlackBerry phones to individuals in the country within two weeks as communications companies compete for wealthy customers.
Mobile TeleSystems, already offers BlackBerry to corporate users, but is looking to attract a consumer base. The company aims to attract about 3,000 retail clients in Russia this year. The operator has about 3,800 retail customers in Ukraine, after starting to offer BlackBerry service to individuals in June.
Although the Russian economy is feeling the recession like anywhere else in the world, I know BlackBerry will be a hit there. Not only is it a status symbol, which will make it a hit among consumers, but it is an essential tool for enterprise. This is why RIM is seeing a 50/50 split in their sales.
One thing to watch out for: The Federal Security Service has access to consumer emails and data whereas the corporate version is offered on encrypted channels. The quality will not be affected but if you’re a strong supporter of Gary Kasparov, better save your mass emails for when you get home.
[ED NOTE: Yes, I know Putin is no longer in power. Or is he? *wink*]
TELUS, Canada’s 2nd largest carrier said it will be investing $700 million in wireless and wireline systems, part of a 10 per cent boost in overall spending from last year.
The move is expected to help boost customer spending and increase new sign-ups which have been a little lower than expected this year. The upgrades will help launch high-speed packet access technology by 2010. That will allow for faster data transmission and video service on handset devices including smartphones such as Research In Motion’s BlackBerry.
TELUS is fortunate in that it is in a better financial position debt-wise than most carriers. It doesn’t have a lot of debt that is due in the next couple years, and it is therefore taking this opportunity to spend, while most carriers are cutting back.
So if you’re in the Alberta region, expect some better service coming from TELUS.
Everyone knows Jim Balsillie aka Jim Dog is a huge hockey fan. In the past, he has tried to acquire the Nashville NHL franchise and move it to Hamilton, Ontario. The bid failed but rumors were abound that Jim was looking to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nothing ever came of the rumors but we know Jim loves his hockey. With the playoffs starting today, Jim is glued to his TV.
“Will I be in front of the TV? Absolutely,” said the co-CEO of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion.
But the 48-year-old Balsillie was less forthcoming about any current interest in acquiring an NHL team. He wouldn’t comment on possible ownership or if he might be in talks about a team, such as the Montreal Canadiens.
He even declined to divulge his favourite club, saying “I get into trouble every time. I can’t go there.” But he has been reported to follow the Habs.
A while back we posted a video asking the BlackBerry community to find more details about the app Forward with Edit. The video demonstrated a feature that does not come native with BlackBerry: namely editing a message that you are forwarding.
The app is now available in the BlackBerry Cool store. The app is available for $2.99 and will give you the ability to forward and edit emails directly from your mobile device so you do not have to go to your PC.
Download Forward with Edit for $2.99 or on a Free Trial basis.
I do not know about you, but I am at a point in my life that remembering something is a near impossibility. Try as I may, my memory is constantly failing me. If it were not for checklists, I would never get anything done. Suffice it to say, organization is not my strongest attribute; however, I am never without my BlackBerry.
Having a checklist app in my pocket all day, every day, is the only way I can remain productive. Knowing what you have to do, and where to go to get that information is absolutely essential in today’s high demand work force, unless you are blessed with an eidetic memory.
PodTrapper is a podcast download manager and player for BlackBerry and it has recently gone 2.0. Version 2.0 continues to expand PodTrapper’s features and usability with a totally new user interface and comprehensive built-in help.
As the premier podcatcher for BlackBerry, PodTrapper opens up the world of podcasts to any media card enabled BlackBerry device. Users can download episodes over the cellular network, WiFi, or even through their PC. Automated intelligent downloading ensures that podcasts are only downloaded when the user wants, and only using the mechanisms the user allows.
Automatic management of users’ episodes ensures that more time can be spent listening to their media and not managing it. A built in playlist manager allows users to set their preferences so that PodTrapper can prioritize playback as episodes become available.
PodTrapper plays and bookmarks any media on a user’s device, remembering where it left off in every file.
PodTrapper features:
* Automated downloading of new episodes in the background
* Support for both audio and video media
* Compatible with all media card enabled BlackBerry devices
* Full touch screen support
* Built-in podcast browser
* Customizable download mechanisms and time frames
* Desktop application for downloading through a PC
* Bluetooth output support
* Support for podcast artwork
* Send podcast and episode links to other users
* OPML and manual url entry for importing podcast subscriptions
* Built-in large file download utility
* Comprehensive help system
