That is a huge sign of support for BlackBerry 10. BlackBerry just announced that one of their unnamed partners has placed an order for 1 million BlackBerry 10 smartphones with shipments starting immediately. BlackBerry makes a point of stating that “This order marks the largest ever single purchase order in BlackBerry’s history.” BlackBerrys EVP of global sales Rick Costanzo said as much stating that:
"An order for one million devices is a tremendous vote of confidence in BlackBerry 10… Consumers are ready for a new user experience, and BlackBerry 10 delivers. With strong partner support, coupled with this truly re-invented new platform, we have a powerful recipe for success."
Check out the full announcement below and feel free to speculate who the partner is in the comments!
BlackBerry Partner Purchases One Million BlackBerry 10 Smartphones
Largest ever single purchase order in BlackBerry’s history
WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – March 13, 2013) – BlackBerry(R) (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) announced today that one of its established partners has placed an order for one million BlackBerry 10 smartphones, with shipments starting immediately. This order marks the largest ever single purchase order in BlackBerry’s history.
"An order for one million devices is a tremendous vote of confidence in BlackBerry 10," said Rick Costanzo, EVP Global Sales, BlackBerry. "Consumers are ready for a new user experience, and BlackBerry 10 delivers. With strong partner support, coupled with this truly re-invented new platform, we have a powerful recipe for success."
BlackBerry unveiled the new BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphones on January 30th. BlackBerry Z10 is now available for purchase in a number of markets around the world and will be available in the United States starting this month.
BlackBerry will be reporting results for its fourth quarter and year-end of fiscal 2013 on March 28, 2013. A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 8 am ET, which can be accessed by dialing 1-800-814-4859 or through your BlackBerry(R) 10 smartphone, personal computer or BlackBerry(R) PlayBook(TM) tablet athttp://ca.blackberry.com/company/investors/events.html.
About BlackBerry
A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry(R) revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:BB). For more information, visitwww.blackberry.com.
Jay Harker ( View Profile) - Posts: 1363
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 3:43 PM EST
Wow, that is a massive order. It’s gotta be a carrier right? One of the big US ones I would assume.
BBA Brian ( View Profile) - Posts: 1218
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 4:18 PM EST
you would think its a carrier, but, how would an American carrier be ordering more than say, Rogers.
At this point in the game at least
Amir Saad ( View Profile) - Posts: 502
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 4:09 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9810 | OS 7.1.0.694
When a carrier orders 1M (presumably), does BlackBerry cash in instantly or is it based on what they sell off the shelves??
Huseyin ( View Profile) - Posts: 70
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 5:08 PM EST
Unless it is Sprint (the way they did it with Apple, by actually getting into a contract to buy certain amount of devices, in last case 20 Billion dollars worth).. If they felt iPhone deal was successful, and if they saw the benefits, they might as well try it with Blackberry, and an exclusive one like the reports mentioned Sprint would carry.
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) - Posts: 383
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 4:45 PM EST
Google!
Kevin Not Registered
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 8:39 PM EST
My bet is it’s AT&T.
I think they have a good feel of corporate demand + pre-orders and are stepping up to get a volume discount.
Amir Saad ( View Profile) - Posts: 502
Posted: March 13, 2013 at 8:50 PM EST from my BlackBerry PlayBook | OS 2.1.0
Do you think it has anything to do with the preorder and demand?
If it is, that must be some demand…
trini-34 Not Registered
Posted: March 14, 2013 at 3:13 PM EST
One thing I did not see is; which device. Is it possible that they are also including the Q10 as well? Are also including the low end devices? Either way this is great news for BB!!!
Tim Not Registered
Posted: April 11, 2013 at 4:10 PM EST
It was NOT a carrier order. It was a distributor order (I believe over 6 months) that involved a negotiation of distribution and fulfillment rights for various parts of the world. Basically a move to grab power in the distribution channel of Blackberry. Smart and aggressive move by those guys.
Ronen Halevy ( View Profile) - Posts: 3286
Posted: April 11, 2013 at 6:05 PM EST
Yeah I know very forward thinking of them