Blackberry is manufactured by Research In Motion (RIM). [1] When purchasing a Blackberry, you'll want to take advantage of any rebates that the cellular network is offering during the time in which you sign up for your contract. Many rebates are only available for those customers that choose a one or two year contract with a mobile network. There are two common types of Blackberry rebates. First is an instant rebate. This is a discounted amount that is taken directly off the purchase price of the phone when it is purchased either online or in a retail store. The second type of rebate is a mail in rebate. These will generally require proof of purchase such as a copy of the receipt. When you have been offered a mail in rebate, it's important to remember that you may have a limited amount of time to submit the rebate form. If you do not submit the rebate within the specified time frame, you may be ineligible to receive the offer.

Rebates and instant rebates may change frequently as new devices are released and promoted by cellular companies. If you are planning to purchase a new Blackberry, it may be wise to research what types of discounts and rebates are currently available from your cellular network. Also, be sure that the rebate is valid in your area. Many companies promote different offers within different regions. Contacting your cellular company and inquiring about current rebates is the best way to ensure you are eligible for these discounts.

Rebate offers change frequently as cellular networks promote different devices. These rebates are current as of March 20,2010.

• Currently Sprint is offering the following rebates on Blackberry smartphones. These are available for qualifying customers that are eligible for an upgrade or new customers that sign a two year contract.http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPhones?filterString=PDA_Smartphone_Phone_Char&id12=UHP_PhonesTab_Link_PDAandSmartphones

1. Blackberry Pearl 8130 $370 instant rebate, $100 mail in rebate.
2. Blackberry Curve 8520 Buy one get one free. $200 instant rebate, $100 mail in rebate.
3. Blackberry Tour 9630 $250 instant rebate, $100 mail in rebate.
4. Blackberry Curve 8350i (Nextel) $200 instant rebate, $100 mail in rebate.

• Verizon customers can take advantage of the buy one get one free offer that is currently available for Blackberry devices. The Blackberry Pearl Flip currently is available at a buy one get up to three free offer contingent upon multiple lines of service. Verizon currently offers the following Blackberry models.http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceType=Phones&sortOption=priceSort

1. Blackberry Pearl Flip 8230
2. Blackberry Storm 9530
3. Blackberry Storm 9550
4. Blackberry Tour 9630
5. Blackberry Curve 8530

• T- Mobile also offers customers the option of purchasing a Blackberry smartphone. Current T-Mobile models include:http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/?WT.z_unav=mst_shop_phones

1. BlackBerry Bold 9700
2. BlackBerry Curve 8520
3. BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220
4. BlackBerry Pearl 8120
5. BlackBerry 8820

When signing up for a two year contract, T-Mobile offers these Blackberry devices at a discounted rate of up to $300 off.

• SouthernLINC wireless is currently offering a $150 rebate for the Blackberry Curve 8350i. Customers that sign up for a two year contract and include Blackberry data are eligible to receive this rebate until March 31, 2010.http://www.southernlinc.com/rebate/curve-rebate.pdf

• Sprint Relay Members are eligible for a $100 mail in rebate for choosing a Blackberry Curve, Pearl or Tour. This rebate is available until April 17, 2010. Restrictions for existing customers include length of time between upgrades. For new customers you must sign up for a two year contract and include Blackberry Data in your service plan.http://www.sprintrelaystore.com/pdf/rebate/Rebate-2010-04-17.pdf