The device will operate on AT&T's HSDPA network in more than 300 U.S. cities and on similar networks in 60 countries, including Korea and Japan, the carrier said.

The Bold was first announced in May, when rumors first circulated about the , which will begin selling later in the year. The Bold had earlier been referred to .

The Bold features a smaller screen than the Thunder, but it also has a QWERTY keyboard, instead of an on-screen keyboard. It boasts a powerful 624-MHz mobile processor, with 1GB of onboard storage, which can be upgraded to 16GB with an SD expansion slot. Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi are also provided.

AT&T said that the Bold can run cellular video and mobile music services, but also noted that it will work with the Enterprise Server, allowing advanced IT administration and security. Verizon Wireless has touted both the consumer and business-user qualities of the BlackBerry Storm as well, noting that IT managers have come to more than other devices.

The announcement of Bold's availability came on the same day that T-Mobile USA Inc. put the on sale, amid a season of smart-phone launches that included the July by .