PHILIPSBURG--TelEm Group's mobile provider TelCell will launch its long-awaited prepaid Blackberry service today, Saturday.
The Blackberry service will be launched in a special pre-Valentines day opening promising higher speeds and flexible packages, the company said on Friday.
Until today's launch, Blackberry has only been available on a post-paid basis for customers in St. Maarten.
"From today, the much hyped Blackberry will be available to anyone who wants to own one –all they have to do is visit the TelEm Building to take one of several packages that are being offered," the company said.
TelCell said customers will prefer its Blackberry service because it is up to two times faster "than anything else" available on the island. Additionally, customers will not have to sign a contract to begin using their Blackberry immediately.
"We have put together a special introductory package for one week only and expect to be sold out very quickly," said Manager of Sales and Marketing, Carmen Lake-Reyes.
She said the prepaid packages are broken down into daily, weekly and monthly rates and customers will be able to use the service based on their own budgets.
TelCell is launching its Blackberry service with two Blackberry models - the Blackberry Curve 8520 and the Blackberry Curve 8900 for sale at US $199 and US $299, respectively, in the introductory package. A third model (the Blackberry Bold 2) will be offered to customers at a reduced price towards the end of the month.
Unlike the prepaid customers, all post paid customers will be required to sign a contract in order to get the service. However, they will be able to purchase their Blackberry phones at an even cheaper rate at US $99 and up.
"TelCell subscribers want access to the latest technology that can help them manage all aspects of their lives. They have been eagerly awaiting our new BlackBerry service," said TelEm Group Chief Commercial Officer Brian Mingo.
"TelCell customers will be utilising an advanced communication product with a high quality and reliable service. They will experience for themselves the well known productivity and efficiency benefits of BlackBerry service and smart phones," Mingo said.
He noted that once again that, by introducing the island's first pre-paid Blackberry service, the pioneering mobile provider is not limiting the new BlackBerry service to the high-end business community but to anyone in the community who wants to own a BlackBerry.
"Customers will be able to buy BlackBerry Smartphones from our own stores at terrific introductory prices or they can just bring in their own units to sign up to TelCell's pre-paid or post paid BlackBerry service – whichever is affordable to them," said Mingo.
"TelCell's first BlackBerry customers can look forward to a totally new experience in their use of the product. The technology behind our service makes us up to two times faster than any product of its kind on St. Maarten. We also do not require customers to sign a contract with us before they can be the proud owner of their own BlackBerry Smartphone," said Mingo.
TelCell said it is expecting a rush in sales because of its competitive pricing.
