Verizon Wireless said it will offer a BlackBerry 10 device soon after RIM's official launch, but RIM needs to keep the carrier support coming if it wants to draw consumer interest away from the new iPhone. On Friday, Research In Motion’s (RIM) ever-dwindling stock got a much-needed boost from Verizon Wireless. The wireless carrier’s CMO Tami Erwin told CNET that it will offer “a BlackBerry 10 smartphone” in early 2013, making it the first carrier to state its support for RIM’s upcoming OS. RIM plans to release two new BlackBerry devices, one all-touch device and another with a “physical” full-QWERTY keyboard, in the first quarter of 2013. It’s unclear from Erwin’s comment whether or not the carrier will offer both devices or try its hand with just one BlackBerry 10 smartphone to start. Verizon Wireless is the largest U.S. carrier based on subscribers, and its stated support of BlackBerry 10 from the get-go boosted RIM’s stock last week by almost seven percent, the largest gain in the past month, according to Bloomberg News. Verizon’s support is not only good for RIM’s stock, but it’s also good for consumer-confidence. If Verizon is willing to state its support of BlackBerry 10, it has at least some degree of confidence in RIM’s new OS. The best thing RIM can do right now is to convince other major U.S. carriers, and carriers in Canada and other key markets, to express their support for BlackBerry 10 as well. I got some hands-on time with the new BlackBerrys last month, and though I can’t talk specifics due to an unofficial NDA, I left the demonstration feeling optimistic about RIM’s future. Verizon’s support makes me even more optimistic. Bu one carrier’s nod, even if it is the largest U.S. carrier, may not be enough to keep smartphone buyers away from a new iPhone or Android device until 2013. AS Related content feature LexisNexis rises to the generative AI challenge With generative AI, the legal information services giant faces its most formidable disruptor yet. That’s why CTO Jeff Reihl is embracing and enhancing the technology swiftly to keep in front of the competition. By Paula Rooney Dec 01, 2023 6 mins Generative AI Generative AI Generative AI feature 10 business intelligence certifications and certificates to advance your BI career From BI analysts and BI developers to BI architects and BI directors, business intelligence pros are in high demand. Here are the certifications and certificates that can give your career an edge. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 01, 2023 8 mins Certifications Business Intelligence IT Skills brandpost Sponsored by Huawei Beyond gigabit: the need for 10 Gbps in business networks Interview with Liu Jianning, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Marketing & Solutions Sales Dept By CIO Online Staff Nov 30, 2023 9 mins Cloud Architecture Networking brandpost Sponsored by SAP Generative AI’s ‘show me the money’ moment We’re past the hype and slick gen AI sales pitches. Business leaders want results. By Julia White Nov 30, 2023 5 mins Artificial Intelligence Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe