The folks at Alltel may just beat both Sprint and Verizon to market with the first US Blackberry CDMA Cuve with included video recording capabilities (Telus have already released a similar model to the Canada market). Prior to this release only certain Blackberry Pearl - 81xx - models have sported video recorders - and only when operating under OS v4.3.2. Scheduled for release on May 1, 2008, the phone is now available for pre-order by customers within Alltel’s primary service areas of - Albuquerque, NM, Charlotte, NC, Cleveland, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, Greensboro/Winston-Salem, NC, Little Rock, Ark, Norfolk, VA, Oklahoma City, OK, Phoenix, AZ, Raleigh/Durham, NC, Shreveport, LA or Tampa, FL. Here’s hoping that Sprint and Verizon follow suit and offer Bluetooth Headsets and car chargers at no cost with future offerings as well!

Link: Alltel Blackberry Curve Pre-Order Page (No activation promo through 4/24/08)

From the Alltel Press Release:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, today announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) will be available in Alltel retail stores May 1. Starting today, the BlackBerry Curve 8330 is available online for pre-order at shopalltel.com/curve. This sleek, titanium-colored smartphone, will keep customers connected to the people and information that matter most, as well as provide them with added flexibility and freedom to manage their busy schedules.

The BlackBerry Curve 8330 is RIM’s smallest full-QWERTY smartphone and packs a powerful punch with a 2 MP camera that supports video recording*, GPS capabilities such as Alltel Navigation and support for hi-speed USB, so large files can be transferred quickly and conveniently. The media player and microSD/SDHC memory slot make it easy for customers to enjoy music, video clips and photos wherever they are.

For those who like to multi-task, the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone also features voice-activated dialing, a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities for the ultimate hands-free experience. Customers can also shop online with Digby, download content from RealTone Juke Box and Bplay, stay connected with friends by downloading the Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones application, and much more.