Analyst: iPhone 3GS, Palm Pre gang up on BlackBerry sales

Research in Motion's BlackBerry sales had a rough June at AT&T and Sprint as those wireless carriers talked up the iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre, respectively.

Those findings come courtesy of Piper Jaffray's Michael Walkley. In a research note, Walkley writes:

Our checks indicated BlackBerry sales declined in June at AT&T and Sprint due to increasing smartphone competition, as BlackBerry sales appeared to lose share to the Palm Pre at Sprint and the new 3GS iPhone and older $99 iPhone at AT&T. BlackBerry sales at T-Mobile remained solid, but Verizon sales were slightly weaker following the termination of the buy one, get one promotion.

In addition, Walkey says that the Pre is snagging sales from the Curve at Sprint. At AT&T the new iPhone 3GS and older 3G at $99 are squeezing BlackBerry unites. Verizon is promoting LG handsets right now, but the launch of RIM's Tour should fix that. "Sales of the Tour are key in our opinion, as our checks indicated RIM may need strong July and August sales to meet its guidance," says Walkley.

Also see: RIM: We "don't fret" new competition; reports solid Q1, outlook