RIMM: Orange Stops Selling Bold Over Software Issues

Research In Motion (RIMM) shares are down sharply today on news that Orange U.K. has stopped selling the BlackBerry Bold over concerns with software problems with the much-anticipated new device. Morgan Stanley’s Scott Coleman asserts in a research note that the suspension of Bold sales by Orange could cause a shortfall in both revenues and profits, and that the problem could be exacerbated if other carriers take similar action. He reports that the device is listed as out of stock on the Orange UK Web site, but is available at T-Mobile Germany, Vodagone and Carphone Warehouse. RIMM today is down $8.45, or 14.3%, to $50.58. (link)