Previously, we noted that U.S. customers anxious to get the BlackBerry Z10 could purchase an unlocked version for $999 -- a premium price. Now, as European retailers slash prices on the Z10, the unlocked version has also gotten cheaper, dropping to $749.
Mobile startup Solavei offers discounted prices on unlocked phones, as well as an affordable prepaid plan that piggybacks on the T-Mobile network.
The company offers customers an unlimited voice, text and data plan in limited coverage areas in the U.S. for $49 a month. It also offers customers the opportunity to earn commissions by recommending the service to friends and family. During its first four months on the market Solavei says it has paid out more than $5 million in member commissions to its more than 120k members nationwide -- about $50 per person.
Customers can also pick up an unlocked Apple iPhone 5 for $699, a Samsung Galaxy S III for $575 or a Google Nexus 4 for $379.
European retailers have been cutting prices on the Z10, driving fears that sales are low. BlackBerry has refused to release any concrete numbers yet, though its fourth quarter earnings are due out later this month.
The all-touch BlackBerry Z10 is the first phone running the new BlackBerry 10 OS. The QWERTY keyboard-equipped Q10 is due out soon.
For Sprint customers, the unlocked version from Solavei could be their only option, as Sprint announced this week that they won't be carrying the Z10, though they will eventually offer the Q10. It's unfortunate news for the embattled phone manufacturer, which is struggling to break back into a market dominated by Apple and Samsung, while fending off other notable offerings from HTC and Sony.
Check back here for the latest developments and phone prices once they're available.
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