BlackBerry Bold 9780 available in SA

The new BlackBerry Bold 9780 is set for a March 2011 launch in South Africa, but those anxious to get their hands on the device can do so through unofficial channels.

Cell C recently told MyBroadband that South Africans can expect the new BlackBerry Bold 9780 in March for a retail price between R4,999 and R5,299.

However, parallel or “grey” importers in South Africa have the devices on offer already.

CaCell, an online retailer that has the new Bold 9780 on offer, said that they get most of their devices locally from the handset manufacturers, but import specific devices that are either unavailable or delayed in SA.

Cellphones bought from them receive a 1 year warranty unless otherwise stated, CaCell said. Under the warranty, they try to repair the device locally, but CaCell said that they will return the device by courier to their supplier should repairs not be possible.

According to CaCell, 90% of the time issues are software related and can be resolved without couriering the device back to the exporter.

“It is clearly evident that other countries always have the release of devices first with South Africa always lagging,” CaCell said. “Our client base are high-end technologically advanced clients who want the device ‘NOW’; the moment it is released abroad and not 6-12 months later when it is obsolete.”

Research in Motion (RIM) South Africa confirmed that only products bought through their carrier partners, namely Cell C, MTN and Vodacom, are deemed authentic.

“Only authentic BlackBerry smartphones bought through approved channels carry the RIM warranty,” RIM said. “RIM wants all its customers to enjoy a true BlackBerry experience.”

According to RIM SA, part of this experience that can only be enjoyed on authentic BlackBerry smartphones is a 12 month guarantee and data packages that include:

1. unlimited e-mail access for up to 10 accounts.
2. unlimited on-device web browsing.
3. unlimited real-time messaging with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
4. unlimited social networking including uploading of photographs.

“Non authentic (grey) products are generally inferior products, and do not provide customers with the support and customer service associated with authentic BlackBerry smartphones,” RIM SA said.

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