14 DAY TRIAL // FCC has just approved a new RIM device under the codename RCZ31CW, which might be a new version of the BlackBerry 8530. While there are also speculations saying the device is in fact the fresh BlackBerry Curve 9300, the guys over at Wireless Goodness have a more plausible opinion, pointing out that this is the same BlackBerry 8530, with support for the CDMA 1700 network.
BlackBerry Curve 8530 features 3G technology CDMA Dual Band (800/1900 MHz) and CDMA Dual Mode (CDMA 2000 1X with Ev-Do). One of the latest smartphones joining the 8500 series, BlackBerry Curve 8530 includes a transmissive TFT LCD display with 320x240 pixel resolution and support for 65K colors. Other highlights of the device are: a 2.0-megapixel digital camera with video recording capabilities, 256MB Flash Memory, Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in GPS receiver with BlackBerry Maps included, Bluetooth with A2DP, and support for BlackBerry App World.
Even though the approved smartphone is just another version of Curve 8530, it's still a step forward for RIM, which tries to cover as much as it can on the mobile phone market. The smartphone might be picked by smaller operator networks, such as Cricket and MetroPCS, as it is compatible with the AWS system.
Also known as Advanced Wireless Services, the AWS system is a wireless telecommunications spectrum band used for mobile voice and data services, video, and messaging. It is mostly employed in the United States and Canada, and replaces the spectrum formerly allocated to Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service (MMDS), sometimes referred to as Wireless Cable.
The AWS band uses microwave frequencies in two segments: from 1710 to 1755 MHz, and from 2110 to 2155 MHz. It is intended to be employed by mobile devices such as wireless phones for mobile data, video, and messaging services.