BlackBerry Q5 available in Bermuda

Both of Bermuda’s mobile phone providers announced on Friday they have the new BlackBerry Q5 smartphone.

Both Digicel Bermuda and CellOne announced the price for the Q5 will start at $299.

The Q5 features the popular QWERTY keyboard.

Digicel Bermuda sales director, Shane McDonnell, said in a press release: “Style and value are important to our customers and the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone exemplifies both of these traits. The stylish device offers a more affordable alternative to the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphones while boasting many of the same features.

“BlackBerry continues to enjoy popularity here in Bermuda, with many local residents choosing BlackBerry smartphones. The BlackBerry Q5 definitely appeals to the loyal BlackBerry user who loves having a physical keypad for easy typing. With the BlackBerry 10 OS, this device also appeals to those users who, while being cost-conscious, are looking to upgrade to a sleeker operating system.”

Highlights of the BlackBerry Q5 include the BlackBerry Hub, which lets you stay close to what’s important to you without stopping what you’re working on. The camera Time Shift mode helps you create the perfect shot every time, and with BBM Video with Screen Share, you can instantly switch your BBM chat to a BBM Video conversation and catch up face-to-face. Frank Amaral, CellOne CEO, said: “BlackBerry continues to be a popular device in Bermuda and we’re happy to offer this as an addition to our extensive lineup of Smartphones. The device shell is comparable to the brand’s more classic designs. However; its core BB10 operating system is on par with that of the Q10 and Z10.”

The companies made their announcements on a day when BlackBerry said they were having to layoff 4,500 workers and have a near $1 billion net operating loss for the second quarter of 2013. Shares of BlackBerry were halted trading on the NASDAQ Exchange on Friday afternoon.

For more information on Digicel products and services, visit www.digicelbermuda.com

For more information or to find a CellOne store nearest you, visit www.cellone.bm for details.