There have been a lot of rumors floating around that the release of the Sprint BlackBerry Curve had been delayed, however, the folks of at Engadget Mobile have put those rumors to rest. According to their sources at Sprint the BlackBerry Curve 8330 is still set to make its debut here in the States this month.
Engadget didn’t have an exact date but we predict that the Sprint BlackBerry Curve will ship within the next week and a half.
[Source]
Does it really matter?
the 24th is when it’s going to drop. Sucks that the sh*ttiest carrier gets the sickest colorway, all black.
about time we get some news on this with all the rumors coming out..Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
@bluehorseshoe
Not unless you can put the Sprint Curve on Verizon’s network.
I still find it hard to believe it’s going to arrive before Verizon’s does. I’ll believe it when I see it.
Please. All you “I can’t believe Sprint will get it before Verizon” need to give it a rest. Getting old.
“liquidplatinum” from Howard Forums posts this:
Official, 100% release dates:
May 5th online.
May 19th in stores.
Straight from VZW’s launch package.
“liquidplatinum” has a great track record.
I should add to my comment above that the release dates from liquid platinum are for Verizon. And I really do believe lp on this; he has been correct in the past.
As for Sprint, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Given Sprint’s track record of horrible execution, I wouldn’t be surprised to see VZW launch first after all.
The Sprint Curve release date has been pushed back till June. Sprint did not approve the final version of the Curve that Blackberry issued. (Too many bugs) This is a good thing since in the past typically Sprint would approve just about any phone even if it had bugs just to get it pushed out….well times have changed. Our new CEO is stressing quality control/customer service and we are no longer going to launch phones with bugs, and the customers should be proud of that stance. And one last thing, to all those people out there that continue to bash on Sprint…sooner or later you will realize that we are turning things around, with a new and much improved CEO, the best 2-way chirp system hands down, the best $99.99 UNLIMITED plan around, and the most powerful network in the states (based on the facts, and if you object please do your homework) we will be back on top. Changing perception will not happen overnight and everyone is entitled to their own opinion but believe me that our company’s strong winning heritage and new executives will pull through. I myself currently oversee and manager 15 corporate stores so I will make sure that I will be doing what I can to back up my statements above. Thanks…
The Sprint variant of the BlackBerry Curve 8330 will be rocking GPS, OS 4.3, 2.0 megapixel camera, video recording and voice notes – sadly, WiFi is not in the mix for the CDMA/EVDO smartphone.
Release date is 6/1/08 for Sprint. Link provided below, direct from Sprint site.
http://www.thesprintstore.net/Shop/Control/fp/tcat/141740/SFV/31590
Looks like Verizon may still beat them to the punch regarding the release date.
I just got off the phone with the retention department. She stated that they are showing that it will be released “the week of 4/20”. She did a massive price adjustment to keep my business and told me to call when its available on the website to have it shipped.
I’m hopeful.
CANT SAY: thanks for the word on Sprint. I truly hope that Sprint makes a comeback and am glad if they are turning things around. It’s good for consumers to have another viable option, and it’s certainly good for Sprint employees.
Best wishes in the comeback!
Thought: Thank you for your comment…as a company we are still a good way from being where we need to be but we are on the right track finally. We are focusing on winning one customer back at a time, no matter if currently existing or formerly existing. Corporate stores which are our “bread and butter” have been empowered unlike ever before to take care of any and all customer issues. A customer saved right now is more important than a new customer earned…times have changed, it is no longer a pure acquisition game it is more of a retention game and our new CEO understands that. He has put in place so many changes already that the impact is slowly but surely starting to be felt already. I wish I could tell you more but I can’t, but in the end consumers will ultimately win since there will be another well rounded and “unique unlike any other” wireless provider that they can confidently choose when shopping for cell phone service. Win – Win situation! Thanks….
OK so I never comment on these things — I find a lot of people who put too much of their self-worth on which wireless carrier they use. They defend to the death in shockingly cryptic language the perfection of XYZ network as opposed the morally bankrupt ABC network. I don’t get that. But I have been a Sprint customer for almost 5 years. Through good and bad. Pre and post Nextel. Seeing 80% of my friends leave. Almost had it myself. Then, wow, the $99 deal is great. And, YES, the Curve! Finally a decent phone. First it would be released 4/15, then 4/20, then the 21st and now, yes, for sure, 4/23. Or 24th. But that doesn’t seem reality. A store rep in Glendale, CA told me no, it would be JUNE FIRST. I refused to believe it. NO NO NO. But yes, it now looks that will happen. Even though another sprint rep at the west hollywood store the 23rd. And I have to leave. My last 2-year contract is over. My evil Treo is dying. I was waiting on life support for the Curve. If it isn’t released on the 24th I’m done. Done. Done. Done. I’ll run to the arms of another carrier and they will love me and cherish me and give me good phone. So I’ll pay $10-20 more a month. At least this dysfunctional relationship will be over.
(and why doesn’t Sprint stop all the mis-information? how can employees in different stores tell you completely opposite stories. a healthy company employs public relations)
@ Can’t Say
It’s logic that the CEO is applying. It’s cheaper to retain a customer than obtain a new one. I personally believe the downfall of Sprint has been attributed to customer service and a network that is below Verizon in the sense of coverage (I reside in ‘Sprint’ land it seems but my coverage on VZW works better than Sprints…and AT&T is headquartered here, go figure). And yes, I think Sprint’s coverage is better than AT&T and TMO here in the states. The other reason is coverage though. Working on the same technology as VZW is a slight disadvantage. VZW offers better coverage, though Sprint offers better plans/deals. For me, and many others I’m sure, it’s worth the few extra dollars for the better service and coverage. Sprint’s delays with WiMax didn’t help either.
I hope they make a comeback for those that use Sprint and enjoy their service, but personally I think it’s too late in the game to stop the bleeding. Seems they need more people like you to make it a successful transition.
question…. ? is Cant Say really dan hesse, the new CEO 🙂
yea or nay, thanks for the info. i left sprint 8 years ago for nextel. i still have the 7100i so lets not get started with that! i am so ready to jump ship as i did 3 weeks ago with the 8130 only to return it, too many problems, flaws. i really want to believe sprint feels a customer saved right now is more important than a new customer earned.
thanks again dan, er.. cant say!
I too have been a loyal Sprint customer for 8 years with very good reception and, yes, customer service. However, I fear that pushing the Curve’s release to June 1st is a critical mistake. Why? Because guess what else is rumoured to come out around June – the nextgen iPhone (for AT&T of course) and a Blackberry 9000 (also likely for AT&T). So, unless we’re all married to BB’s Curve and jump ship to VZW, the final holdouts may have other tempting offers to tear them away from Sprint once and for all.
Over it: I completely understand why you would be super frustrated due to all the wrong release dates getting pushed around. The communication has been sent out to the field but it just seems it has not trickled down all the way yet in your area, no excuses though…I agree communication is key to any healthy company. The original release date was 4/20 but it has indeed been pushed back till June. (As you can read above the delay was for a good reason) I myself am desperately waiting for a Curve as well and trust me it looks so nice in all black. I am sorry to hear about your Treo being on the brink of dying, and if you were in my area and you walked into one of my stores I would recommend one of two things:
1) Go to a local Service and Repair location, as long as your phone doesn’t have any form of liquid damage have them repair or replace your phone / give the technicians around 45 minutes and they should have an answer for you as long as they can duplicate the phone issue. If you have insurance (ESRP or TEP) then there will be no charge but please keep in mind that they will probably have to order you a phone from the local warehouse if they decide to replace your phone – it will take 2 business days but you can keep and use your phone in the meantime) If your phone does have any form of liquid damage and you have TEP (full coverage insurance) call Assurion 18005843666 and make a claim with them = pay $50 and they will send you the same phone or an upgrade in 2 business days
2) Purchase a phone, renew your agreement and use your full rebate and have a manager extend your 30 day return or exchange policy – the phone should be out by mid-June latest so you just need a 30 day extension, and due to the situation and you being a long time customer that is something we can do for you. Then when the Curve comes in, you can bring your phone that you just purchased back into the store and do an exchange. (Keep in mind the phone that you are returning has to be in like new condition and you need the box and everything that comes with it)
– Hope this helps and believe me that the Simply Everything Plan is too good to miss out on…plus Sprint will have the most feature packed Curve around. It will be worth the wait. Hope you stay on board!
bluehorseshoe: I respect your opinion and I thank you for your kind words. A lot of people feel the same way you do, so you are not alone. Only time will tell but the ideal outcome would be for us to get our act together, this way you and the many just like you can come on board, save some money, and have the great overall wireless experience that you would expect. It takes 6 hard fighting months and a consistent message to really change perception…6 months from now I am confident we will be well on our way back to the top. All the recent changes, announcements, and additions are just the beginning…it will only keep getting better.
Wajeeha: No I am not Dan Hesse the new CEO, thanks for the compliment though. So you have a 7100i, man I hear you loud and clear. Yes, we seem to be coming across a more than usual amount of glitches with the Pearl and Blackberry is currently working on a fix. I am sorry about the negative experience you had with the Pearl, just hang in there a little longer. With our new quality control standards in line now, I am sure the Curve will turn out to be a very reliable device. Trust me when I tell you this, keeping our existing customers right now is our #1 priority…we have to stop the bleeding. You should have the Curve in your hands in 6 to 7 weeks, and if you want a secondary option we will be releasing a “Q-Chat” fully loaded Blackberry in the fourth quarter of 2008 as well. Q-chat will be the future of push-to-talk, it will take push-to-talk to the next level…you won’t believe how many things you will be able to do at a push of a button. Hope this helps and I hope you stay on board! (Plus don’t forget that we by far have the best plan around!)
Can’t Say: Thanks for taking the time writing that email. I will assume you are a Sprint employee and not some Sprint-employee-wannabe-fanatic 🙂
But it just isn’t good enough. You get to a point where a person, company, what-have-you just lets you down too many times and there is a tipping point and this is that point for me with Sprint. Any release date beyond this week is unacceptable. I don’t agree with you saying there is good reason for this delay because that is false comfort. Bell Canada has released a CDMA Curve. To suggest I keep this Treo or even that I would spend another dime on it is insulting — this is my third in three years and they all end up in a cycle of turning themselves on and off. There is no liquid damage or anything — it is just a terrible phone put out by Sprint. Having had it replaced twice I know your contention of “45 minutes” or “2 Business days” is not correct — my experience is far different. And while your second option is more acceptable I have to chuckle that I should “just ask the manager to extend your 30 exchange policy.” WTF? Yeah that is going to happen. Despite what is being said I see NO attempt from Sprint to retain customers. Obviously my business is not a worry.
Look, Verizon now has the Curve coming out before Sprint (that fact is truly maddening) and joining them would be a no-brainer as most of my friends are on the network and they have great service. I can go to AT&T and get a FREE Curve. Granted the network isn’t as good, but it will get there. No doubt AT&T always gets the best phones.
The funny thing is I don’t expect a free phone and am hardly one of these demanding consumer that expect a free one every year or so. I’ve never had major issues with Sprint billing or customer service although I know it is rated the worst. They are losing me because they have dropped the ball way too many times and have never acknowledged it, the huge mistakes made and never a thank you to the customers who stayed and the commitment to bring back ones that have left. I’ve been asked too many times to hang in there and then be fed false information. I can’t imagine what Sprint could even do to keep me at this point. When I go to cancel my account (my last 2 year contract ended in March as I’ve waited for tthe Curve) I’ll have already switched carriers and it won’t matter. $99 deal is great but $10 a month is worth supporting a company that actually tries to please the consumer. And the others will follow suit in prices. It is going to take far longer than 6 months to change perceptions of Sprint — it took almost 5 years to get me to realize what others have been saying for years about the company.
Over it: It seems like your mind is made up and even though I would like to point out a few things I strongly disagree with in your previous email, I wish you the best of luck with whatever new carrier you choose. I totally understand where you are coming from and just to clarify I am certainly an employee and not just a so called “fan boy”. One last point, asking a store manager to extend you return or exchange policy for an extra 20-30 days due to our Curve release being delayed is not unheard of. As I stated in my previous emails, store managers are now more empowered than ever and they are fully capable of solving just about any issue. Take care and sorry to see you go…
When is the Sprint Curve coming out???
CANT SAY: I was joking about you being a Sprint employee wannabe — no offense, but who would be a “fan boy” of a wireless carrier?? (That’s a joke too). You seem like a decent person and you are the only person I have ever heard from Sprint that might even entertain there is anything wrong with the company or its service. That’s refreshing! But you do work for them and you must buy into certain “talking points” that have little to do with reality. Maybe your Sprint store is some incredibly wonderful place, I give you the benefit of the doubt, but no store I’ve ever been to in SoCal (one of the most important markets in the country) has ever been a pleasant experience and the employees I’ve dealt with are terrible. At the one on La Cienega in LA I had an employee screaming how much he hated Sprint as I was getting my Treo replaced (again) because he had to get on the phone with Sprint to activate it and HE was being bounced between the two parallel, separate and incompatible databases Sprint uses. His racial tirades after that were thankfully stopped by the manager, mostly because he didn’t want trouble. I’m looking forward to the switch, going to this weekend. Probably ATT or Verizon. Heck, they actually want my business! Now that will be refreshing. You can disappoint and insult a customer only so many times — I’ve got to be the biggest sucker for sticking around so long. If only anyone was big enough to apologize or have an ounce of humility, that would have helped.
Can’t Say…………
http://www.thesprintstore.blogspot.com
what do you think, Thanks!
Hello everyone. I was just browsing sprints web page and was contacted via web chat by a sprint rep. She asked if I had any questions and I replied yes. I first asked about the “Simply everything plan” that I curently have and if the blackberry services are covered. She replied yes and I asked if there was a release date yet of the Curve 8330 and she replied that the exact date was June 12th! This means another month of waiting…. I did ask about the new iDen blackberry that is supposed to come out and she said that she has no info on that one. 🙁 So if it’s true, I guess we wait until the 12th of June 🙁