One of the things I always wanted for BlackBerry was a pay as you go option. I was always hoping some carrier would come up with a SIM card that would allow you to pay only for the usage you use. Ideally the SIM would not have an expiration date but you get the idea. This would be even better if it worked while roaming so that you could use your BlackBerry with a foreign SIM card and only pay for them messages you get without the high international data usage fees.
It seems like Alcatel-Lucent is hoping to fill that void. From RedOrbit.com:
Alcatel-Lucent plans to offer a prepaid option for the BlackBerry platform for operators in the wireless market.
It said the real-time, volume-based charging option will be customized for RIM’s BlackBerry smartphones and will integrate with operators’ existing networks, which will allow users to track the minutes and data they have used against the prepaid amount remaining in their account.
Michel Rahier, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s carrier business said the move is in line with the company’s strategy to provide expertise in managed communication services, particularly in high-growth economies.
Jim Balsillie, RIM co-chief executive, said: “We are proud of the work that has been done in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent to bring the BlackBerry solution to new markets and we look forward to expanding this relationship.”
Alcatel-Lucent and RIM already have a partnership for BlackBerry distribution in several countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including China, the world’s largest wireless market.
This should be interesting…
