AT&T commercials show Conan using BlackBerry Torch

Some AT&T Co. commercials promoting Conan O'Brien's new show on Turner Broadcasting System's TBS cable network feature Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry Torch mobile phone instead of Apple Inc.'s iPhone, Product Placement News reported.

Locally, AT&T has operations in Hoffman Estates and RIM in Rolling Meadows.

The telephone service company, which will lose its exclusive hold on the iPhone, has begun to promote other providers' mobile devices, according to Product Placement News.

AT&T is “pulling out all the stops” to distinguish itself as something other than the iPhone's exclusive carrier, the trade publication reported.

The comedian, whose new late-night show begins Nov. 8, is shown in the ads with the Torch mobile device in his hands, according to Product Placement News.