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Here’s some good news for BlackBerry users in the UK. Orange plans to launch the device in August 16, a few weeks ahead of rival T-Mobile, according to Telegraph (via Engadget Mobile). The best part is that the report further says that the phone itself will likely be free. Hey, AT&T, you might want to take notes here. In exchange, customers will have to sign an 18-month contract, and pay GBP45 per month, which should give them unlimited data.

“This is really the next generation of phones, and we are confident we can take on the competition,” said Philip Lander of RIM. “We believe our users want a keyboard, and that they are going to be very happy with the Bold for business and personal use.”

They’ll be happy indeed. While I’ve cast a skeptical eye on the Kickstart, the Bold truly is the it device. Not only does it have a mechanical keyboard, which appeals to many users, but it’s a good keyboard. There’s no substitute for that. Just ask most 8800 users what they think of their keyboards.

Over the next few months, the device should be released through Vodafone, O2, and 3. The last has to complete its 3G upgrade. O2 is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone, so like AT&T, they might not be so inclined to rush the Bold to market.

Things are starting to get exciting. Just 18 more days until we supposedly get the Bold on AT&T.

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