This is some good news for you diehard blackberry fans, and for those of you who are locked into your cellphone contract.

Sprint jumps the gun, announces BlackBerry 8830 (World Edition): “

Boy Genius tells us that the hoi polloi won’t get it until July 15th, and Sprint even mentions in their press release that their customers won’t see it in stores until next month, but that won’t stop our favorite yellow carrier from announcing their version of the BlackBerry 8830 to the world. Perhaps Telus’ release prompted them to keep up with the Gekkos, as it were?

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect to Sprint’s offering is the fact that their BlackBerry 8830 will come SIM card unlocked, meaning Sprint customers actually have the choice of using local GSM providers during international travels rather than Sprint’s international roaming service plan. This is not something that fellow US competitor Verizon offers – can you say throwdown? Regardless, Sprint’s 8830 sounds like a true World Edition BlackBerry to us.

So far the only pricing deets we have are $199.99 USD with a two year plan and $200 worth of rebates. Go here for more info.

(Via BlackBerryCool.)