Sprint will not release the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G, the WiMax version of RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook tablet that the company announced in January, Sprint spokeswoman Michelle Mermelstein confirmed to PCMag today.
"We apologize for any inconvenience but the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook tablet that was announced in January for summer availability will no longer be coming to the Sprint network. This was a mutual decision between Sprint and RIM. Sprint currently offers a Wi-Fi only BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet in all of our retail channels," Mermelstein said.
"Sprint currently offers more BlackBerry products than any other U.S. carrier. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with RIM and look forward to additional RIM products in the future," she added. Mermelstein confirmed that Sprint will carry other new RIM products, including the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Torch 9850. But the PlayBook is out.
RIM said it has decided to prioritize LTE technology instead.
"RIM has decided to prioritize and focus its 4G development resources on LTE," a spokeswoman said in a statement. "We remain excited and committed to delivering innovative and powerful 4G tablets to the US market together with our carrier partners. Testing of BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models is already underway and we plan to enter labs for network certifications in the US and other international markets this fall."
As mentioned, Sprint still offers the Wi-Fi-only version of the PlayBook for $499.99, though according to its website this is only until "September 8, 2011, or while supplies last."
In a January 6 press release, Sprint's president of network operations Steve Elfman said "This tablet is a great example of Sprint's strong partnership with RIM in continuing to bring customers powerful devices to enhance their mobility. We are confident the BlackBerry 4G Playbook from Sprint will be one of the most anticipated tablets in 2011."
The PlayBook debuted in April of this year to less-than-stellar reviews. In his review, PCMag lead analyst Tim Gideon noted, "…it's outmatched by competitors with more versatile and complete feature sets."
RIM has been pushing out a number of updates to address many of the initial issues critiqued by reviewers and users, but that may prove to be too little, too late.
Sprint's move leaves the PlayBook with no major U.S. carrier partners. While the company announced an LTE version of the PlayBook in February, neither AT&T nor Verizon Wireless has publicly confirmed that they will carry the product.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 1:26 PM PT with a statement from RIM.