Rogers keeps being the forerunner in launching BlackBerry devices in Canada. With less than a week until they release the BlackBerry 9900, we've now been informed that devices are showing up in Rogers Hardware Upgrade Program (HUP) system.

Which device do you plan to purchase from Rogers?

It's only mere days until we see the BlackBerry Bold 9900 being released on many carriers worldwide. We've found leaked OS 7.0.0.303 today from an undisclosed Asian carrier.

• Download OS 7.0.0.303 for BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900

Warning: Please remember that this IS NOT an official release OS. If you wish to install this OS, keep in mind that this may cause your phone to not function correctly. This OS will not function on any device that is not OS 7 compatible. BlackBerryOS and any other BlackBerryOS Official sites are not responsible. If you are not comfortable and/or unsure how to upgrade to this OS, please click the link below.

• How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System
• How to Recover a Nuked BlackBerry
• Discuss Findings/Fixes in our Forums

It's an obvious sign that carriers are preparing to release a device when we see leaked OS. A flurry of OS 7.0.0.261 leaks have released for upcoming OS 7 devices.

• Download OS 7.0.0.296 for BlackBerry Torch 2 9860
• Download OS 7.0.0.296 for BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900

Warning: Please remember that this IS NOT an official release OS. If you wish to install this OS, keep in mind that this may cause your phone to not function correctly. This OS will not function on any device that is not OS 7 compatible. BlackBerryOS and any other BlackBerryOS Official sites are not responsible. If you are not comfortable and/or unsure how to upgrade to this OS, please click the link below.

• How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System
• How to Recover a Nuked BlackBerry
• Discuss Findings/Fixes in our Forums

Leaked OS 6.0.0.650 from T-Mobile UK has reached the BlackBerry Bold 9780. If you have a Bold 9780, get out that USB cord and give your a device a fresh OS. Don't forget to drop a comment below and let us know how it's working out for you!

**Currently this update seems to only be showing on Desktop Manager for T-Mobile UK users, but BBH-Plus has created a home made installer for the install**

Warning: Please remember that this IS NOT an official release OS. If you wish to install this OS, keep in mind that this may cause your phone to not function correctly. BlackBerryOS and any other BlackBerryOS Official sites are not responsible. If you are not comfortable and/or unsure how to upgrade to this OS, please click the link below.

• Download OS 6.0.0.650 for Bold 9780 (home made installer)
• How to upgrade your device
  
• Discuss Findings/Fixes in Forums

45,000 Verizon Communications, Inc workers have gone on strike, after labor talks with the wireline carrier failed Saturday. Originally set to expire at midnight on Saturday, Aug. 6th, workers rejected the contract changes that Verizon was seeking. Verizon executive vice president of human resources, Mark C. Reed, called the outcome of talks "regrettable", after workers rejected over 100 concesions regarding health care, pensions, and work rules. "We will continue to do our part to reach a new contract that reflects today's economic realities in our wireline business and addresses the needs of all parties," he said in a statement.

"Even at the 11th hour, as contracts were set to expire, Verizon continued to seek to strip away 50 years of collective bargaining gains for middle-class workers and their families," said the Communications Workers of America.

Even though almost a quarter of Verizon's work force went on strike, the wireline and internet provider has a fallback plan. "Tens of thousands of Verizon managers and other personnel have been trained to step in and perform emergency work assignments," Verizon spokesman Rich Young said.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and bring you new developments as they happen.

Within the last 48 hours, Rogers & Telus have both come forth with offering a 6GB/$30 Data Plan. Well, it wouldn't be a truely Canadian deal unless all of the Big Three carriers had this deal. We've been told from reliable sources that Bell also is offering this plan. It is safe to assume that their plan offer will expire at the end of September, just like Telus & Rogers.

A few days ago, Rogers announced they'd brought back their 6GB/$30 data plan. It seems a good idea spreads like wildfire, as Telus has decided to follow suit & release their own 6GB/$30 data plan. Like Rogers, it's available until September 30th.

If you're looking to get your hands on a BlackBerry Bold 9900, you'll be excited to know that Bell Mobility is throwing a contest to have a chance to win one of the sleek devices. The contest runs until Thursday, August 18, 2011.

With RIM's new lineup of OS7 devices, none of them seem to be a refresh to a previous OS6 device. None, except for the BlackBerry Torch 9810. This device has an updated VGA display, more fluid UI & overall quicker response to keystrokes. When compared to the Torch 9800, the screen resolution is the first thing that you'll notice, followed by the crisp, vibrant colors.

Here is our first hands-on video of the BlackBerry Bold 9900. This device is surely a great flagship device for the new OS7. Very smooth, fluid, sleek. Comparable in size to the Bold 9000, this device is the thinnest BlackBerry yet.

Yesterday we had the opportunity of attending BB7FanNight, the first media event where the new line BlackBerry OS7 devices were displayed. This Torch 9860 video is the first of many videos showing a walkthrough of the new line of devices.

AT&T has jumped on the pre-announcement banwagon & have posted a "Coming Soon" page for the BlackBerry Torch II (9810). This device will be running BlackBerry 7 OS, have a full QWERTY keyboard, sliding display, 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of onboard memory, up to 32GB of expandable storage, 720p video capture, inbuilt WiFi and support for the AT&T's HSPA+ network.

It also claims to be the first 4G BlackBerry on AT&T, which means the Bold 9900 will be launched later than the Torch refresh.