Mobile Enterprise has confirmed with a T-Mobile spokesperson that, “The BlackBerry Z10 will be available for pre-order for business customers starting on March 11 for $249.99 on a two-year Classic plan. Please note that pricing can be impacted by volume discounts and other factors, making the device even more cost effective.  The consumer retail availability date and pricing will be shared at a later date.”

AT&T follows with a March 12 kick-off of consumer pre-sales of the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone for $199.99 with a two-year agreement. The device will be generally available for all customers, including corporate customers or those receiving a corporate discount, through all AT&T channels on March 22.

BlackBerry declined to comment on this availability or any future dates.

 

This is certainly good news for BlackBerry who, while officially launching the platform, 70,000+ apps, accessories and support programs over a month ago, has yet been able to offer its long-awaited phone to anyone but those who are part of the preview program BlackBerry 10 Ready. For a company depending on the U.S. market and consumer to increase enterprise share through BYOD, the further wait after the official launch had added to a legacy of frustration.

 

The Z10, the virtual keyboard device, is already available in over 20 countries around the world and has seen measured success in Canada and the United Kingdom in particular. There is no known date for the Q10, the device with the physical keyboard, and the one for which many BlackBerry lovers are really waiting.

 

Pre-orders at  Verizon's website opened on March 14 - $199 with 2-year activation.