Can Curve 9220 improve BlackBerry market share in India?

New Delhi: BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion (RIM) launched its new smartphone ‘Curve 9220’ priced at Rs 10,990, a move aimed at strengthening its presence in India, which is one of its fast growing markets. The Curve 9220 may be the most affordable BlackBerry smartphones with upgraded BlackBerry 7.1 operating system. Currently, the Curve 8520, which is one of RIM’s best selling models, is available at an MRP of Rs 8,999. [caption id=“attachment_280980” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Will BlackBerry regain lost market share in India? Reuters”]  [/caption]This is also the first time that RIM has launched a phone globally from India. “The new BlackBerry Curve 9220 offers a unique mobile experience that young Indians will love thanks to its affordable pricing and unmatched messaging and social connectivity features,” RIM Managing Director India Sunil Dutt told reporters here. Even though globally, RIM’s market share in the smartphone category is declining, but India is among the few markets, where it has strengthened its base. “India is a very important market for RIM and we are extremely proud to officially launch the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 for the first time here in India,” RIM Senior Vice President Smartphone Business Carlo Chiarello said. RIM posted a net loss of USD 125 million for the three months ended March 3, 2012 compared to net income of USD 934 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2011. PTI