BlackBerry Bold 9700 “Onyx” Coming to T-Mobile…with UMA Wi-Fi Calling (and more)!

Posted on 08 September 2009 by


It’s no big secret that a new another BlackBerry is going to be hittin’ the streets soon.   We know the Storm2 is brewing, and the next BlackBerry Bold (aka 9700 “Onyx”) has been seen on the ‘net for some time.   Credit Al Saaco with scoopin’ some very nice details about the device,  which is planned for release this year on T-Mobile.

But wait, BlackBerry fans, there’s more! …

The Onyx/9700 will definitely sport 3G data connections (no big surprise), but  it will also let users conduct Wi-Fi calling via UMA (one of Wayne’s big faves while using quite a few T-Mobile branded  ‘Berries).

What? That’s not good enough for you?  Well how about the news Al Saaco included about a few new mobile applications from BlackBerry App World that will ship with the device — including an on-device Amazon MP3 Store for easy music downoads!

Hrmmm.  I wonder how this will impact Thumplay and 7Digital?  If an Amazon MP3 store is included on the device then that is a major move by RIM (and, it also means they are listening to their customers, fans, and  critics).

The 9700/Onyx is also planned to hit AT&T before year’s end (sans UMA Wi-Fi Calling, of course).  Let’s just hope the carrier testing doesn’t push back the release — like it did with the original Bold.

via CIO

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  • http://www.s-consult.com/index.php Wayne Schulz

    Nice job here Jason — I should be within my upgrade window when the 9700 starts approaching AT&T.

    I am not sure but I think the T-Mobile version could be used on AT&T but just not the 3G since I believe T-Mo uses some freaky 3G frequencies.

  • Thomas R. Hall

    @Wayne – Correct. T-Mobile 3G uses the 1700 MHz band. AT&T uses 850 and 1900. Internationally, there is 2100 for 3G.

    That’s the problem with T-Mobile’s 3G network – it’s not compatible like their EDGE network is with AT&T. :(

  • BrixtonMassive

    Are you guys kidding me? Do your homework. T-mobile 3G uses the 1700mhz and 2100MHZ. initally couldnt start using the 2100mhz because the USA goverment hadnt given the okay even though they bought the spectrum 2 years ago.

    thus leaving them the only provider whose 3G phones work in America and Internationally.

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