BlackBerry Storm 2: RIM end Vodafone Exclusivity

In 2008, Vodafone enjoyed the total exclusivity it had with the BlackBerry Storm, and they will once again enjoy that with the new BlackBerry Storm 2, but only for two weeks. There are reports that RIM has ended Vodafone’s exclusivity deal, as other UK networks will be able to offer their customers the second-generation Storm handset.

According to The Guardian, Research In Motion has demanded that other UK operators such as Orange and O2 get the BlackBerry Storm 2. RIM has a good reason for this, and it all has to do with the end of the iPhone exclusivity deal with O2.

RIM had to end the deal with Vodafone as the iPhone will now be available on multiple networks, and that could have a serious effect on Storm 2 sales. Christmas is a very busy time for the cell phone market, so lifting exclusivity of a handset will see better deals being offered to consumers.

On its launch, the BlackBerry Storm 2 will be launched on Vodafone in not only the UK, but also Germany, Netherlands, Ireland and Spain. We are not certain if the Storm 2 will be made available to other networks in those other countries.