I guess they just want to sell bolds mainly. I would love a thunder, but I'm on ATT and being down south, att makes sense for the calling plans they have. Doesn't make sense to release an IPHONE competitor and put it on a different network.

I don't really see why it's any different than in the past, other than finally Verizon is getting something first. AT&T has consistantly had the exclusives on the RIM phones (curve, pearl), where Verizon was always left with nothing. Then along came the iPhone, and once again AT&T has the exclusive. I would imagine Verizon finally realized that having the hardware really will make people switch to your service and decided to pay a pretty penny for it.

Yes I have Verizon, and love the service. I've considered going to AT&T several times because of the phones, but I'd rather have the better service. Finally I'm excited that Verizon is going to get something nicer than the other providers leftovers.

I'll be pissed though, if Verizon goes and disables all the cool stuff about the phone, as they usually do. If they do, it's off to AT&T for me.

Just the way it is....It's a Vodafone/Verizon exclusive.

from what I can tell, the sprint and verizon phones don't have wifi

They have not disabled anything you can still use it you just have to pay for it. And its only GPS

Exclusives at first, but both those devices came out in CDMA. The Thunder/Verizon deal is LIFETIME, read it will only ever be released on Verizon and Vodaphone [with the small caveat that Verizon meet certain sales quotas, which I am confident they will.] I don't agree with lifetime exclusives and even the iphone doesn't have that.

Wasn't it rumored though that they were going to come out with a touch screen slide out keyboard to be released in GSM. I would imagine that would be why they would make Verizon lifetime exclusive. I do agree, lifetime is kinda lame. Even the iPhone is a 5 year contract. In cell phones that's beyond a lifetime.

Yes, but with a smart phone I'd like to have a fully functioning GPS. I honestly could care less about using it for driving. I'd like to use it offroad and for golf.

You need to check out this article. I have no idea why people would think RIM would shoot theirself in the foot and only allow this device to be used on one network in the states. WOW. ---> Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder details and specs

Here is the paragraph you really need to read--->

What about other carriers? Well for the US, Verizon Wireless and At&t will be the two major carriers moving over to LTE 4g technology while T-mobile has not announced their plans and Sprint is using WiMAX. At&t subscribers will undoubtedly be able to purchase an unlocked version of the BlackBerry Thunder (9500 Series) and use it on their network, regardless of the lifetime exclusive agreements between RIM and Verizon Wireless. There is also the possibility that Verizon and Vodafone will not hit their sales quotas and the exclusive lifetime agreement will be void, making the device available to all carriers interested in some touchscreen Blackberry action.

Then buy a gps puck or buy a stand alone GPS unit. Its never been a secret that they disable the gps

If I'm not mistaken doesn't Verizon sell a hell of a lot of BB's. I could be wrong though.

I wouldn't bet any money on that. Verizon has a lot of BB users and many of them are chomping at the bit for this device.

It doesn't matter, you will be able to unlock one of these and use them on AT&T.

I know it's not a secret, you are correct. I'm just saying, if it's there, why not let us use it, that's all. I understand they want to make money on a service, and I'm fine with that. It would just be cool to use it for other things without having to attach more stuff to the hardware. I wonder if there is a way they can lock it so you need to vz navigator for directions, and then have it unlocked for everything else. Like the apps for the iphone. I know it won't be, but it would be nice to have everything in one.

I haven't heard that the Thunder would include the US GSM frequencies. If they are not, then it won't work on ATT, unlocked or not.

I refer you again to this article, although that isn't the only confirmation I have on the subject. ;)

Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder details and specs


There are currently 9500's being used on Rogers, and we all know anything that will run on Rogers will run on AT&T.

There are??? I believe thats the first I've heard of that. I think you have it confused with the Bold. I haven't read anything about the Thunder running anywhere. And as far as it running on ATT if unlocked, that would mean that this one model phone would run on any network in the world, CDMA and GSM. That would be a first for RIM or any phone for that matter and don't think that is likely.

considering thats not an official RIM web page i wouldnt believe a word of it. I am with arjon on this one I havent heard a thing about it running on anything but cdma. You are mistaken about them running on rogers as well thats the bold.

Telus is getting an exclusive on it here in Canada. Which doesn't make any sense...but oh well

Whoa, this article makes some pretty big assumptions. This tosser in the article talks about LTE adoption and the Thunder including LTE support, perhaps dropping EVDO completely. Sounds like he's just pulling facts out of his butt. And even if they include GSM support for a "world phone" like the 8830, we can probably expect it to be disabled for North America and instead only function in Europe. That's been the pattern so far at least.

I'd love to try one out on AT&T, but I'm not expecting it anytime in the next 2 or 3 years.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Curve 4.6.0.62)

I think Jason is relying to heavly on BS.

No problem. You believe what ever you want. I'll be sure to check in when this device is released. Because I guarantee you there are 9500's running on Rogers as we speak. ;)

if you guarantee it show me the proof. If you can guarantee as you say it shouldnt be too hard.

Do you realize this article is over 3 months old? Do you possibly think this article could be based on rumor and speculation more so than facts?

I would also like to see some hard evidence about the 9500 being on Rogers as this is the first I've heard this as well.

Sorry guys, I have nothing to prove to you or any one else. So call what I'm saying BS or whatever you please. You will see when it's launched. ;)

You're right, you have nothing to prove to anyone. I am not saying that you are full of BS. I just wanted more evidence backing up your claims. I did a quick google search for the Thunder on GSM and there are mixed reports.

Some sites say it will work on AT&T, others say it will work on GSM carriers outside of the US (which I am bound to believe as it is how the 8830 works).

BlackBerry Thunder: after the storm : Boy Genius Report shows:
BlackBerry Thunder shows:
Sadly BlackBerry Thunder Will Not Work On AT&T & T-Mobile | BerryReview.com » shows:
I guess we will have to wait and see when the device is officially released.

Thats cool bro, I understand there is reason to be skeptical. Thanks for just not out and out calling me a liar or telling me I'm full of BS, I appreciate it.

In the future I wouldnt guarantee something you cant actually prove though..

I'm not going to argue back and forth. I said I guarantee. I did not however say I would prove it. You don't want to believe it, fine I know the truth.

Edit: If you read the berryreview article, they are totally wrong. Nowhere in BG's post did he say anything about it wouldn't work. He said with the chip they are putting in it it will work with about everything. And this is true because there are 9500's running on Rogers. ;)

Im not arguing either I am just saying dont quote something as the gospel if you cant back it up.
All the sites quoted are blog sites or tech sites none are official RIM or even a carrier sites.

If I tell you I guarantee you something I will back it up every time. And I am saying its BS till you either prove it or an official source comes out with it. So maybe you should post the rest of your rumor in the rumor mill threads.

There are 9000s running on Rogers that I will guarantee you.

Ok, well show me ANYTHING official from RIM that says this device is even going to be an "EXCLUSIVE" for Verizon, or any other carrier for that matter. Please. I will take ANYTHING from RIM.......still waiting... You're sitting here quoting "gospel" and nothing has been officially announced. I'm in no way saying it's not, but since you want guaranteed facts, please show me....
It is TOTALLY funny that you will rely on BG for the confirmation that it's going to VZW, although not officially announced. But he says it can be used on EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, but you just won't or can't believe that though. That's quite a contradiction you have there. As I said, I guarantee you this device is running on GSM, and my proof will be when it launches. End of story.

To get back on topic a bit. The Thunder is scheduled to be an exclusive deal with Verizon/Vodafone. CDMA rarely gets a device before GSM. I am glad they finally are, I see a lot of GSM users are upset by this, but in my opinion, it's been a long time coming. I am a bit biased, being a CDMA user. We have to wait literally a year for a device after it drops on the GSM network. Come on guys, don't hate. Give us a break here...

I never quoted BGR as a source for anything as a matter of fact I didnt quote any source at all. So how in the world am I contridicting myself?

But its funny there is over 300 sources quoting the thunder to verizon. I dont have time to go through everyone but they all atleast saying the same thing the Thunder on a life time exclusive to Verizon.

You cant find one thing that says the thunder is running on Rogers or will ever be running on any other carrier..

So the burden of proof is on you. Since you are the one with the rumors. I will search tomorrow when I get off work in the morning.

I was just making a point. I understand why you're skeptical. Here is a report from BG.---> BlackBerry Thunder: after the storm : Boy Genius Report

I don't need confirmation from BG as I have my own. But maybe that may sway you a tad. Regardless, let's just drop it bro, and say we'll see at launch. Cool? Later bro. ;)

Do Blackberrys work with Mac OSx? I have Leopard and I was curious to know if Media Sync and other such programs are able to be synchronized on a Mac? Thanks....

Hear, Hear!


On a side note, for all those arguing about official proof. You all are arguing about "proof" on details of a phone that doesn't technically exist yet.

I'm visiting from HOFO, Crackberry, Phone Arena and a few others. Just wanted to let you guys know that like a couple people mentioned, there are Thunders branded Telus, Rogers,Vodafone and Verizon. We were told way back that it would be exclusive to Verizon and Vodaphone so either that info was wrong or RIM is testing the other carriers in case Verizon/Vodafone don't meet the quota. This we don't know for sure. Insiders that are actually working on testing the Thunder have hinted that it will be available for more carriers than just Verizon/Vodafone.

If you say so

Let's also not forget that Boy Genius has more credibility than most people here. So if I am going to take anyone's word for it. It's going to be someone with a proven track record. I am also not saying that BG is perfect but he has the best chance at getting the scoop with out official proof from RIM or any carrier.

So if someone comes strolling into these forms with less than 10 posts and is not a representative from RIM or a carrier then you are going to have a tough time making bold statements. This is basic common sense why is that so hard to figure out.

You know lets not forget why some people like to seek fame in the first place.
Exhibit A.
Georgia Bigfoot Body Hoax
Bigfoot Hoax: "Body" Is Rubber Suit
ABC News: Legend of Bigfoot: Discovery? Try Hoax.

For your benefit lets just hope your claims are not "Rubber Suits"...

I don't remember what the technology was called, but I know that there is a chip out there that will allow a company to flash it with whatever carrier info they want and allow that phone to work on any service. Maybe RIM put this chip into the Thunder, so that they could easily make that phone work with any carrier they choose.