"Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience," said Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. "BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile."
As part of the announcement, John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO at BlackBerry noted:
"BlackBerry is thrilled OnwardMobility will deliver a BlackBerry 5G smartphone device with physical keyboard leveraging our high standards of trust and security synonymous with our brand. We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer,"
The press release is short on specific device details outside of saying it will run Android, feature a physical keyboard, and be 5G capable. Still, OnwardMobility has full reign to do product planning and market development. At the same time, FIH Mobile will design and manufacture the devices under BlackBerry's strict guidelines.
We can expect to hear more from BlackBerry and OnwardMobility as we head into 2021, but for now, let me know how you all feel about this announcement in the comments or the CrackBerry Forums!