Alaska surely isn't one of the mobile markets where handset manufacturers are dying to launch their products first. Therefore, the late   launch of RIM's BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, BlackBerry Curve 8330 and BlackBerry Pearl 8130 in the Northern US state should not come as a surprise.

The handsets were announced by Alaska Communications Systems Group, the main mobile operator in the area, and come to offer customers the capabilities of BlackBerry's platform, which include GPS, advanced email and Web features, mobile organizers and QWERTY keypads.

“The BlackBerry smartphones we're offering are fast, functional and efficient for keeping ACS customers connected, whether in downtown Anchorage, on the North Slope, on the Kenai River or traveling outside the state,” declared Connie Dorman, Director of Marketing at ACS. “BlackBerry smartphones are the industry standard when it comes to smartphone technology and we're excited to make these feature-rich smartphones available to ACS customers. We look forward to introducing new users and organizations to the BlackBerry solution as well as adding new users at organizations already using BlackBerry smartphones. On the ACS network users will be able to unlock the full potential of their BlackBerry smartphone and related services.”

Sheldon Fisher, ACS Senior Vice President of Sales and Service, added, “The BlackBerry solution on Alaska’s fastest and most reliable network delivers the speed, security and interoperability that sophisticated business people and world travelers expect. ACS is the only carrier in Alaska that can achieve 3G data speeds on its EV-DO-enabled devices, so our BlackBerry customers can expect faster data downloads, speedier access to corporate email, and a superior mobile web experience”.

While BlackBerry Curve 8330 and BlackBerry Pearl 8130 can be bought as of now from the ACS official website (for prices starting at $149 and $199 respectively), BlackBerry 8830 World Edition is not available yet. However, the smartphone that offers users global roaming capabilities can be pre-ordered for $249 (a contract agreement for two years is required).