Blackberry says China’s TCL to make BlackBerry-branded devices

BlackBerry said China's TCL will make and sell BlackBerry-branded mobile devices globally in the future.

BlackBerry, BlackBerry TCL, BlackBerry TCL deal, TCL BlackBerry phones, TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd, BlackBerry phones, BlackBerry device, BlackBerry license

BlackBerry said China’s TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd would make and sell BlackBerry-branded mobile devices globally. (Source: Reuters)

BlackBerry said China’s TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd would make and sell BlackBerry-branded mobile devices globally, the Canadian smartphone pioneer’s first licensing deal since its transition to a software company.

The devices made by TCL, which also makes Alcatel-branded mobile devices, will be coupled with BlackBerry’s security software and service suite, the company said on Thursday. BlackBerry is betting its future on the more profitable business of making software and managing mobile devices after largely ceding the smartphone market to rivals such as Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.

BlackBerry said in September that would outsource the development of its smartphones, and a month later launched its last mobile device – the Android-based DTEK60, which was made under an agreement with TCL.

The new agreement gives TCL, the fourth-largest handset maker in North America, the right to make and sell BlackBerry-branded smartphones in all countries except India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia, some of BlackBerry’s biggest handset markets.

According to the press statement, “BlackBerry will license its security software and service suite, as well as related brand assets to TCL Communication who will design, manufacture, sell and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded mobile devices.” However, the Canadian smartphone-maker retains control and development of its security and software solutions, which remains a USP of the BlackBerry devices.

Also read: BlackBerry DTEK 50 review: You might want to take a look at this phone

TCL Communication will manage all sales and distribution and serve as a global distributor of the new phones. So technically, the future BlackBerry phone will come, it’s just that TCL will be the manufacturer and distributor.

Story continues below this ad

“At TCL Communication, we are committed to creating the best portfolio solutions, while ensuring the quality support to consumers and enterprise users who trust the integrity of the BlackBerry device and the brand’s security leadership, coupled with the Android platform,” said Nicolas Zibell, CEO of TCL Communication in the press statement.

“This agreement with TCL Communication represents a key step in our strategy to focus on putting the ‘smart in the phone’ by providing state-of-the-art security and device software on a platform that mobile users prefer and are comfortable with,” said Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry.

BlackBerry in September signed a deal giving Indonesia’s BB Merah Putih the rights to make and sell new devices in that country, its largest handset market.

With Reuters inputs

Tags:
BlackBerry