Alcatel-Lucent has announced plans to develop and distribute a prepaid option to operators in the wireless market for use with the BlackBerry platform.

"Customized for BlackBerry smartphones, the real-time, volume-based charging solution will be hosted by Alcatel-Lucent and will seamlessly integrate with operators' existing networks. This option will enable BlackBerry smartphone users to track the minutes and data they have used against the prepaid amount remaining in their account so they can easily refill their account as needed.

"In line with Alcatel-Lucent's strategy to provide extensive expertise in managed communication services, we are proud to develop and provide customers with prepaid options for BlackBerry smartphones. We hope this solution will enable more operators in high-growth economies to greatly expand their business opportunity", said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel-Lucent's Carrier business.

"We are proud of the work that has been done in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent to bring the BlackBerry solution to new markets and we look forward to expanding this relationship," said Jim Balsillie, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Research In Motion. "We believe a prepaid option enabled by Alcatel-Lucent will add significant value for our operator partners and further broaden customer interest in BlackBerry smartphones."