Blackberry to Be Sold in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea -- The Blackberry is coming to South Korea.

Local wireless provider SK Telecom (SKM Quote) and Canada's Research in Motion(RIMM Quote), manufacturer of the popular smart phone, will market the Blackberry Bold 9000 for corporate use later this month on the South Korean company's mobile network, SK Telecom spokeswoman Lauren Kim said.

Use of the Blackberry and other foreign smart phones has been hampered by a South Korean rule that required all mobile devices to carry special software adapted to South Korea's wireless internet platform. An exception to the rule was made earlier this year, paving the way for the Blackberry's arrival.

The Korean Communications Commission announced Wednesday that the requirement will be abolished from April 1, which could entice foreign smart phone makers -- which have shied away because of the extra cost involved in modifying their phones -- to enter South Korea.

It is not impossible to use a Blackberry in South Korea. Some foreign businesses that operate in the country have set up accounts with providers in Hong Kong and had their employees use them in South Korea by utilizing the roaming function.

Kim said Thursday that the ability to finally use a Blackberry on a local mobile network is causing a buzz among potential users.

"We're looking at a fairly good amount of customers even at the beginning of the launch," she said.

Kim said Seoul-based SK Telecom and RIM, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, plan to hold an official launch for the phone on Tuesday.