AT&T set to launch BlackBerry Priv Android phone in US

AT&T has announced that it will be the first US carrier to launch the anticipated BlackBerry Priv Android phone. The launch is scheduled for 6 November and the handset will be available through all retail stores across the country and online starting Friday.

The BlackBerry Priv will be available for $24.99 (£16.20) with a new two-year contract on AT&T. Customers can also opt for AT&T's Next instalment plans and avail of the new smartphone on 30 monthly payments of $24.67, 24 monthly instalments of $30.84 or 20 monthly instalments of $37. Furthermore, there is a two-year commitment plan for $249.99.

"You can finally have everything you loved about BlackBerry with the capabilities of Android OS. This smartphone is a powerhouse with sleek design, seamless productivity, and advanced security features on the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network," Jeff Bradley, senior vice-president, Device Marketing and Developer Services, AT&T Mobility, said in a press statement.

Apart from its availability on AT&T, the BlackBerry Priv will be available in the UK starting 6 November. The handset is already listed for pre-orders with a SIM-free price of £579 and contract prices starting from £49.

The BlackBerry Priv is the company's first smartphone to feature complete stock Android. It sports a 5.4in dual-curved AMOLED display and comes with a physical slider BlackBerry keyboard that has a proprietary SmartSlide technology.