China Telecom (NYSE:CHA, 0728.HK) has not set a specific date for the release of Research In Motion's (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM) "Blackberry" handset, but it should be no later than March 15, when Telecom will start trial operation of the handset brand, IT Times reported quoting an unnamed employee of China Telecom's Shanghai subsidiary.

China Telecom has finished internal tests of the first Blackberry model, 9530, which supports Chinese-language text messages and China Telecom's e-Surfing services but lacks WiFi, the employee said. China Telecom has not yet set a price for the first Blackberry model, but will offer purchasers subsidies of more than 50%; the carrier plans to introduce the 9550, 9630 and 9650 Blackberry models in the second half of 2010, the employee said.

China Telecom has set initial prices for four blackberry packages to be offered during the trial period at RMB 189, RMB 289, RMB 389 and RMB 589, with mobile voice time ranging from 200 to 1,500 minutes, said the report.

Reports in late December 2009 revealed that RIM had agreed to partner with China Telecom for Blackberry sales in China.

 source:jlmpacificepoch