Russia will soon get its first-ever official BlackBerry service, according to Reuters. Local carrier Vimpelcom says it has forged a contract with the Russian unit of British American Tobacco, in order to sell corporate versions of the BlackBerry 8700g and provide Research in Motion's proprietary e-mail delivery. The company's push e-mail technology is considered one of the primary reasons to get a BlackBerry, and has made the phones popular with businesses in Europe and North America.

The BlackBerry is a recent arrival to the country. They were only improved for use in Russia during November of last year, and required screening by the FSB, formerly known as the KGB. Additionally, while the phones can presently be used in Russia, the only way to obtain e-mail service is to insert a foreign SIM card, and pay the added cost of roaming charges.

Vimpelcom says it is already in negotiations with over 40 more companies looking to provide BlackBerries to employees.

[www.electronista.com]