Business travellers will soon be able to buy a BlackBerry which incorporates both mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity in the single handset.

Makers Research in Motion have announced the launch of the BlackBerry 8820, which can connect via EDGE, GPRS and GSM networks as well as 802.11a, b and g wireless networks - the first BlackBerry with support for both. It lacks support for fast 3G services however. The makers say that the 8820 will be able to seamlessly switch voice calls between a wireless carrier's mobile network and wi-fi.

The device will include a qwerty keyboard, 320x240 screen, built-in GPS and a microSD memory slot for expansion and will be launched in the US by AT&T this summer with other countries around the world to follow. Orange's UK web shop is already listing the handset in its coming soon section.

Mike Lazaridis, RIM’s president and co-CEO, said: "The BlackBerry 8820 is an extraordinary business phone for people who really care about mobile communications and productivity. It features all the renowned power and usability of the BlackBerry platform with executive class styling and unprecedented connectivity features, including cellular, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS."