Verizon again clearing BlackBerries via promo
updated 10:20 am EDT, Fri August 14, 2009
Verizon BBerry BOGO Again
Verizon has launched a second and more ambitious Buy One Get One promo to help move BlackBerries in what's likely a sign of a new wave of devices, a tip today reveals. Now called BOGA (possibly Buy One Get Anything), the BGR-discovered deal will let anyone buying a BlackBerry get a free device that would normally cost as much or less; unlike the older promo, this can include not only BlackBerries but non-rival devices like 3G modems or subsidized netbooks. It's unclear if this is already active, but the discounts would end October 10th.
The wide-ranging discounts are timed for the back-to-school season but are also likely an attempt to clear out stock of no longer new BlackBerries like Storm, Curve 8330 and 8830 World Edition. It's assumed that the BlackBerry 9550 will replace the Storm at or shortly after the end of the BOGA promo and that other phones might be cut as well; in practice, the BlackBerry Tour already replaces at least the 8830.
The sale is also likely an attempt by Research in Motion to rekindle BlackBerry sales, which leveled off in spring and didn't have the benefit of the Tour to spark interest; Verizon's BOGO campaign has unofficially been credited with supporting BlackBerry sales. RIM is also under pressure from surging iPhone 3GS sales that have resulted in continued shortages even two months after its release.
