Unfortunately there has been a mutual cancellation for the 4G version of the BlackBerry PlayBook, on behalf of RIM and Sprint. The issue for the cancellation is a bit blurry since Sprint had originally promised a 3G and 4G versions to be available to the innovation driven tablet, which is currently only wi-fi supported, in late summer. A Sprint representative stated:
“We apologize for any inconvenience but the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook Tablet that was announced in January for summer availability will no longer be coming to the Sprint network.This was a mutual decision between Sprint and RIM.”
Sprint’s 4G network is based on Wi-Max technology, a competitor of AT&T’s and Verizon’s LTE-based networks. Maybe the struggling of the BlackBerry PlayBook to display flash has something to do with RIM re-prioritizing and changing its focus to LTE, as a RIM spokeswoman stated. Lets hope this cancellation may lead to a future better reconciliation within both RIM and Sprint to allow users to enjoy 4G mobility on the PlayBook.