Network coverage in my area is spotty at the best of times, and Vodafone is one of those networks that doesn’t get great signal, so this means that I’m not getting one.

I also notice that the Blackberry Bold, another handset I’d have wanted, only seems to be on Orange. Well, since that’s another network that doesn’t work in my area, again I’m not going for it.

So currently looks like I’m looking at a Curve, unless the Javelin comes out cross-network. Of course, the Curve is an older handset now, so maybe we’re looking at Blackberry losing me as a potential customer while I go for some other kind of Smartphone that’s a bit more up-to-date? (I’m not getting an iPhone as I’m a big texter, and the touchscreen’s not that great for typing).

Can we please nip this kind of thing in the bud? The iPhone being locked to one network has been hugely controversial, and now Blackberry are doing the same thing. Its just an escalating problem, and it limits consumer choice. Let the networks compete in terms of coverage/pricing etc, and let the handsets compete on their own merits.

*Update* Having quickly done a more thorough check I see the Blackberry Bold *is* available on Vodafone as part of a business contract.  Not much use to individuals, but at least it isn’t just Orange that’s selling it.

Coincidentally I’ve been looking at getting a Blackberry for my next phone (currently been looking at the Curve), and if this lives up to its initial promise, then I reckon I could well get one. It seems to address one of my main problems with the current touch screen trend (lack of tactile response), and it looks pretty. The camera’s also better than those on the current handsets (3.2 megapixel vs 2.0).

From a quick look at the specs and just the general hype its caused, could we be looking at a potential iPhone-killer? I certainly hope so, as while there are currently other touch screen phones available, none of them have really measured up. Also you assume this phone will be available on multiple networks, so I have to presume that Orange, Vodafone etc will be looking for a handset they can push to upset O2′s advantage.

Certainly, while I’m not interested in the iPhone (keyboard too fiddly for texting, no MMS) this has really caught my eye. I’m due to upgrade at the end of the year, so hopefully this will be out by then, and I’ll be able to check out some of the reviews.