Verizon, Sprint unveil "World Edition" BlackBerry

Verizon Wireless and Sprint each announced separate deals with RIM for a BlackBerry "World Edition" that would allow the CDMA carriers' subscribers to roam on GSM networks overseas. The device will cost $299.99 with a two-year contract after a $100 rebate through Verizon Wireless. Verizon will begin selling it on May 14 online and May 28 in stores. Sprint plans to offer the device in July but has yet to disclose pricing. Sprint, however, did disclose that its version will be "unlocked," which means subscribers can purchase service in other countries through other carriers. The new BlackBerry 8830 resembles the recently launched 8800, which is available on AT&T and T-Mobile USA's networks.

The "World Edition" launch also sees new international plans for Verizon subscribers: Global BlackBerry service subscribers will get unlimited email for $64.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan, or for $69.99 monthly access without a voice plan. Legacy international plans through Verizon Wireless charged per megabyte.

For more on the World Edition BB:
- see this article from the AP