RIM gets approval to sell Blackberry in China: report

Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) has won approval to sell its popular Blackberry handheld device in China, the world's largest mobile phone market .

The Canadian device maker has been trying to get the go-ahead for its mobile e-mail and telephone device since 1999.

The device is expected to be available beginning in August, according to a manager in RIM's Beijing office, the Globe and Mail reported. He said RIM has received 5,000 advanced orders for its 8700g handset.

Co-Chief Executive Jim Balsillie, speaking in a conference call with analysts last week, said the company was planning to serve corporate customers in key Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The plans come after the firm announced earnings that more than doubled last week on strong sales and new subscribers. Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM said it added nearly 1.2 million BlackBerry subscribers in the quarter, beating its April forecast of 1.15 million people.

Sales climbed 76 percent to $1.08 billion in the quarter ended June 2.

Shares of RIM rose on the news, gaining $6.60, or 3.17 percent to hit $214.54 on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Electronics Blackberry China