The ultra-hot touchscreen mobile phone arena is about to get even hotter.  The next contender is the promising Blackberry Storm which has gained many favorable reviews.  No Storm release date has been announced but it’s coming soon.  And the latest news about the Storm comes by way of Fortune who reveals that Vodaphone – Blackberry’s UK carrier – is considering a grab for lucrative multi-year customer contracts by selling the Storm for either $99.  Or FREE.  We like the sound of free.

Competition with the iPhone and now T-Mobile Dash is creating a crowded smartphone market.  And RIM, traditionally strong with business customers, wants to reach out to the broader consumer market.  Recent news indicates that Steve Jobs has leeway to sell the iPhone for as little as $99.  T-Mobile’s Android-based G1 is selling now at Wal-Mart for only $149.

Even better for those of us on this side of the pond is the news that Blackberry and Verizon are considering deep discounts in the United States also with price points of either $150 or $99 being most likely.  More as soon as we hear the official release details from Verizon and Blackberry.

Blackberry Storm Interface