Sprint plans to release the 9630 Tour with WiFi early next year. According to Engadget, this move echoes Sprint’s recent decision that requires its smartphone suppliers to add WiFi into all their major devices.
Verizon Wireless is going to launch the BlackBerry Tour this Sunday for $199.99, along with Sprint. This Tour is going to be without WLAN. Verizon Wireless is reportedly collaborating with RIM to make sure that future BlackBerry devices arrive with WiFi.
This lack of WiFi is a major complaint among Tour Reviewers especially since many of RIM’s devices for GSM carriers, such as the BlackBerry Bold for AT&T Mobility feature WiFi functions.
A specific release date of this WiFi enabled BlackBerry Tour was not mentioned by the Sprint spokesperson.
This news has the potential to hamper current sales of Sprint’s Tour. Customers could decide to wait until next year for the WiFi version of the device.