There are no BlackBerry contract deals in South Africa, and there haven’t been for years. BlackBerry stopped making phones, the Android-based BlackBerry models made under licence are no longer produced, and BlackBerry has switched off the services that older BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 phones need to work reliably. If you want a BlackBerry today, you’re limited to pre-owned Android models such as the KEY2, bought for cash and used with a SIM-only plan. For most people, a current phone with a physical keyboard case or a secure business setup will be the more practical choice. To compare phones that are available on contract, see Phone Contract Deals.
Latest BlackBerry Contract Deals
PLAN FACT: This page covers BlackBerry contract deals, including Passport and Priv searches. CURRENT MARKET FACT: BlackBerry phones are discontinued, no South African network offers them on contract, and legacy BlackBerry services have been shut down.
What’s happened to BlackBerry phones:
- Legacy services have ended. BlackBerry ended support for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 and PlayBook devices. BlackBerry says these devices no longer reliably function for data, calls, SMS or emergency calls.
- BBM and BlackBerry World are gone. Consumer BBM, BlackBerry World, BlackBerry Link and Desktop Manager stopped working alongside the legacy services.
- Android BlackBerry phones still work, but aren’t made any more. Models like the KEYone, KEY2 and KEY2 LE weren’t affected by the legacy shutdown, but they’re no longer produced and no longer receive updates.
- BlackBerry itself now focuses on software and security, not consumer phones.
That means there’s no “latest” BlackBerry deal to find. For brands that are currently on contract, see phone contract deals by brand.
BlackBerry Contract Deals by Network
No South African network offers a BlackBerry phone on contract. Here are the realistic routes.
| Route | BlackBerry available? | Will it work? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom, MTN, Telkom or Cell C contract | No | Not applicable | Compare current phones instead |
| Pre-owned BlackBerry 10 or BlackBerry OS phone | Sometimes | Not reliably, as legacy services have ended | Avoid for everyday use |
| Pre-owned Android BlackBerry (KEYone, KEY2, KEY2 LE, Priv) | Sometimes | Yes for basic use, with no security updates | 4G band support, battery, IMEI, Android version |
| Cash purchase plus SIM-only plan | Yes, for an Android BlackBerry | Yes | That your SIM fits and the phone isn’t locked |
| Current phone on contract | Not BlackBerry | Yes, with ongoing support | Monthly cost, term, credit check |
BlackBerry service plans no longer exist
Years ago, South African networks sold special BlackBerry bundles for BBM and BlackBerry Internet Service. Those bundles no longer exist because the underlying services have been shut down. If you use an Android BlackBerry today, a standard SIM-only plan or prepaid data works like it would for any Android phone.
Using a pre-owned Android BlackBerry
An Android BlackBerry will connect to local networks for calls, SMS and 4G data, provided it supports your network’s bands. Its Android version is old, though, and some apps, including banking apps, may stop supporting it.
Popular Models on Contract
No BlackBerry models are on contract. This table covers the models people still search for.
| Model | Operating system | Status | Realistic route |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackBerry KEY2 | Android | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| BlackBerry KEY2 LE | Android | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| BlackBerry KEYone | Android | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| BlackBerry Priv | Android | Discontinued, no updates | Pre-owned only |
| BlackBerry Passport | BlackBerry 10 | Legacy services ended | Not recommended for use |
| BlackBerry Classic, Leap, Z10, Q10 | BlackBerry 10 | Legacy services ended | Not recommended for use |
| BlackBerry Bold, Curve, Torch | BlackBerry 7 and earlier | Legacy services ended | Not recommended for use |
BlackBerry Passport
The Passport’s square screen and keyboard made it distinctive, and it still attracts searches. But it runs BlackBerry 10, which BlackBerry no longer supports. BlackBerry warns that devices like it can’t be relied on for calls, SMS, data or emergency calls, so it’s not suitable as your main phone.
BlackBerry Priv
The Priv was BlackBerry’s first Android phone, with a slide-out keyboard. It runs a very old version of Android and no longer receives security updates. It can work as a collector’s device or light-use phone, but not as a secure everyday phone.
BlackBerry KEY2
The KEY2 is the most practical BlackBerry to buy pre-owned, because it’s one of the last Android models and still works on networks. Check battery condition carefully, as replacement parts are increasingly hard to find.
Compare Monthly Prices and Contract Terms
With no BlackBerry contracts available, the relevant comparison is between keeping or buying an old BlackBerry and moving to a current phone.
| What to compare | Pre-owned Android BlackBerry (cash) | Current phone on contract |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Once-off pre-owned price | Usually low or none |
| Monthly cost | SIM-only plan or prepaid only | Device repayment plus plan |
| Term | None | Typically 24 or 36 months |
| Security updates | None | Ongoing, depending on brand and model |
| App support | Shrinking | Full |
| Warranty | Usually none | Manufacturer warranty |
| Credit check | No | Usually yes |
If you move to a contract
Compare the monthly payment, contract term, total cost over the term, once-off fees and included data. If you want a physical keyboard experience, check whether keyboard cases are available for the phone you’re considering.
Moving your data off an old BlackBerry
If you’re replacing a BlackBerry, plan how to move your contacts, photos and messages before the old phone stops being useful:
- Android BlackBerry (KEYone, KEY2, Priv): contacts and photos can usually sync through your Google account, which makes moving to any Android phone straightforward.
- BlackBerry 10 or older: the desktop tools BlackBerry used for backups have been discontinued. Export contacts to a SIM card, a memory card or a file where the phone allows it, and copy photos off by cable or card.
- Chat history: BBM chats can’t be recovered now that the service has ended.
If you keep a BlackBerry on SIM-only
Choose a SIM-only plan based on your minutes and data use. Month-to-month plans let you switch easily when you eventually replace the phone.
Double Deals and Device Bundles
There are no BlackBerry double deals or device bundles in South Africa.
Businesses that used BlackBerry for secure email should look at current phones combined with business security software, which BlackBerry and others now provide as a service. For multiple staff phones, compare business contracts on current devices, and check whether each device is financed separately on the account.
If you see a “BlackBerry bundle” advertised, confirm whether the phones are new old stock, refurbished or pre-owned, what warranty applies and which operating system they run.
How to Choose the Right Deal
1. Check which BlackBerry you have or want. BlackBerry 10 and older BlackBerry OS phones aren’t suitable for daily use. Android models still work. 2. If you want the keyboard, a pre-owned KEY2 or KEYone is the only realistic BlackBerry option. Accept that it won’t get security updates. 3. If you need secure email or work apps, a current phone with ongoing updates is the safer choice. 4. Buying pre-owned? Check the IMEI, battery health, network lock and that the phone supports 4G on your network. 5. Pair it with a SIM-only plan or prepaid, rather than a phone contract. 6. If you choose a new phone on contract, check the application requirements. Networks carry out credit and affordability checks, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Other brands to compare
If you’re moving on from BlackBerry and want an affordable current phone, compare Hisense contract deals and TECNO contract deals. Both include Android phones that may be available on contract, prepaid or for cash.
BlackBerry Contract Deals FAQs
Can I get a BlackBerry on contract in South Africa?
No. BlackBerry phones are discontinued, and no South African network offers them on contract.
Do old BlackBerry phones still work?
BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry 7.1 OS (and earlier) phones no longer reliably work, as BlackBerry has ended the services they depend on, including for calls, SMS and data. Android BlackBerry phones, such as the KEY2, still work, but they don’t receive updates.
Is BBM still available?
No. Consumer BBM was shut down along with BlackBerry World and other legacy BlackBerry services.
Is a pre-owned BlackBerry KEY2 worth buying?
It can suit someone who strongly prefers a physical keyboard and uses the phone lightly. It no longer receives security updates, some apps may stop supporting it, and parts are hard to find.
Are BlackBerry Passport or Priv contract deals available?
No. Neither phone is sold new or offered on contract. The Passport runs BlackBerry 10, which is no longer supported, and the Priv runs an old version of Android without updates.
Can I use a SIM-only plan with a BlackBerry?
Yes, with an Android BlackBerry that supports your network. A SIM-only plan or prepaid data works like it would on any other Android phone.
Can I still use BlackBerry email on an Android BlackBerry?
BlackBerry’s legacy hosted email addresses were part of the services that ended. If you still use an Android BlackBerry, set up a standard email account, such as Gmail or your work email, through the phone’s email app. Your work IT team can advise on secure email for company accounts.