MUMBAI, India - Vodafone Essar and Research in Motion (RIM) announced the launch of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 for Vodafone customers in India.

The network had already very successfully launched the BlackBerry Bold 9000, and the Bold 9700 continues to build on that success. Kumar Ramanathan, Chief Marketing Officer of Vodafone Essar Ltd, said that "this launch reiterates our commitment towards providing our customers with superior products and services, which enables them to balance their professional and personal lives".

Frenny Bawa, VP, RIM India, is also very pleased, stating that "we are very excited to introduce the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in India. This best in class smartphone will certainly appeal to Vodafone customers, offering a sleek and elegant design packed with powerful communications and entertainment features".

The Bold 9700 supports 3G HSDPA networks, has the new 624MHz processor, 256MB RAM, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 3.2 megapixel camera capable of video recording.

This launch is another big step for RIM in Asia; India is the second-most populous country in the world, with demand for mobile phones increasing each year.