BlackBerry Storm 9530 gets closer to Verizon launch

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) has yet to push out a true competitor to the iconic iPhone and iPhone 3G from big-dog competitor AT&T (NYSE: T). The CDMA carrier has been expected to be bringing the BlackBerry 9530 Storm, formerly known as the BlackBerry Thunder, on board as their iPhone-fighting touchscreen handset. And, as RIM’s first touchscreen BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) handset, Verizon has something of an exclusive here.

The latest rumblings from the rumor mill has the BlackBerry Thunder getting “technical acceptance” (TA) from Verizon – a process which takes 3-4 weeks. And, combined with the fact that the BlackBerry Storm has been delayed 3-4 weeks, we’re looking at a fairly solid rumored launch window in mid-November. The new launch window misses previous speculation that Verizon could launch the BlackBerry Storm 9530 in mid-October, but what’s a month or so between friends BlackBerry fans?

Verizon reportedly still has to work out the sluggish bugs and polish the UI up a bit before releasing it to the general public. If past BlackBerry enthusiasm repeats itself for the first-ever touchscreen BlackBerry, we’ll be seeing droves of BlackBerry fans lining up to grab their own BlackBerry Storm.

[Via: BGR]