announces the launch of its new BlackBerry application, allowing BlackBerry users to make and receive free international calls between more than 50 countries.

The news immediately affects millions of BlackBerry users looking for a smart and simple solution for making free or affordable international calls. Rebtel currently has mobile offerings with similar Free Calls functionality available for the Android platform (since March 2010) and is adding it to their next version of Apple’s iOS iteration slated for release in Spring 2011.

According to a January 2011 report from app store analytics company Distimo, RIM’s BlackBerry App World showed triple digit growth in the last year, growing to nearly 18,000 applications.

Google estimates that there are now more than 500 thousand apps running on more than 150 million mobile devices, and that the app economy is estimated to be $2 billion annually, growing to $4 billion by 2012.

In terms of over all consumer market share, a January report from Nielsen states that Android OS (25.8%) is still behind Apple’s iOS (28.6%). RIM’s share (26.1%) puts it within the margin of error of both Apple iOS and Android. Statistically, BlackBerry OS remains tied with both Apple for first and Android for third.

Rebtel for BlackBerry includes:

Free international calls: Calls from Rebtel users to BlackBerry or Android devices with the application enabled from any phone are completely free of international charges.

Seamless background integration: When the user dials an international number, or selects an address book contact with an international number, the call is automatically intercepted and routed via Rebtel instead of their carrier.

No Wi-Fi needed: Similar to Rebtel’s Android app, Rebtel for BlackBerry works on the standard cellular network using local phone numbers and users’ monthly local minutes instead of requiring an active Wi-Fi connection to connect calls. The Rebtel app works anytime, anywhere and works with the standard operator, dialer and address book.

Rebtel for BlackBerry is available starting today on BlackBerry App World.

Rebel on the Rise

Rebtel has become the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP-company with more than 9 million callers and over one billion minutes of international calls logged. Rebtel revenue grew more than 100% in 2010 to approximately $40 million, and with a run rate of $55 million Rebtel should generate a projected revenue of $75 million in 2011.

Rebtel has come a long way since its founding by Hjalmar Winbladh and Jonas Lindroth in 2006, whose previous venture was sold to Microsoft, with two strategic acquisitions and the launch of international calling applications for iOS in 2009, Android in 2010, and now BlackBerry in 2011.

Unlike Skype, which still requires calls to be made over Wi-Fi, a fixed Internet connection, or a $99 per month Verizon plan, Rebtel works with any phone — landline, feature phone, or Smartphone — for just the low price of the call. There are no monthly fees, no connection fees, or hidden costs to use Rebtel.