Vodafone & Research In Motion - BlackBerry 8707v

Media Release
5 September 2006

Vodafone New Zealand and Research In Motion launch BlackBerry 8707v

Auckland, New Zealand and Waterloo, ON – Vodafone New Zealand and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) have launched the BlackBerry® 8707v™ for corporate and individual users. The BlackBerry 8707v is the first UMTS-enabled BlackBerry handset launched in New Zealand and provides mobile users with the connectivity they require in a sleek and stylish design.

The UMTS-enabled BlackBerry 8707v allows users to speak on the phone while simultaneously sending and receiving email, browsing the Internet or using other mobile data applications. The BlackBerry 8707v can be used as a tethered modem, allowing users to connect to the Internet from their laptop or PC.

“It’s great to be able to offer the first UMTS-enabled BlackBerry handset in New Zealand,” says Head of Business Devices Dion Knill. “BlackBerry is recognised as the leading mobile communications solution by our customers. The BlackBerry 8707v is also the first BlackBerry handset that can be used while roaming in Japan, which is a great benefit for our customers who work back and forth between New Zealand and our third largest trading partner.”

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with Vodafone to bring the BlackBerry 8707v to customers in New Zealand. Together with Vodafone’s extensive network coverage and roaming support, the BlackBerry 8707v is an ideal choice for mobile users who want a high performance handset to match their busy lifestyle,” said Norm Lo, Vice President of Asia Pacific at Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry 8707v includes 64MB flash memory, and features an intuitive user interface, full QWERTY keyboard, built-in speakerphone, Bluetooth® support, as well as dedicated “send,” “end,” and “mute” keys, making email, browsing and call management fast and easy. Users will also appreciate the addition of a ‘Today Screen’ that gives them quick access to all their crucial information. The handset's high-resolution (320x240 QVGA) colour LCD screen provides a large and bright workspace for viewing email (including attachments of popular file formats such as JPEG, BMP, TIFF, Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint®, Corel® WordPerfect® and Adobe® PDF), web pages, and other mobile applications. In addition, an intelligent light-sensing technology automatically optimises screen and keyboard lighting levels for indoor and outdoor environments.

The BlackBerry 8707v (rrp $1199) operates on 2100 MHz UMTS networks for 3G and also includes quad-band support on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS networks*.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus® Domino® and Novell® GroupWise®, and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data.

For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service™ enables users to manage up to ten corporate and personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

Ends

About Vodafone

Vodafone provides a full range of mobile telecommunications services, including voice and data communications. Vodafone has equity interests in 27 countries and Partner Networks in a further 31 countries, with a proportionate customer base of over 179 million worldwide. For more
information, please visit www.vodafone.com

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

*please check with Vodafone New Zealand for roaming services.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.

ENDS

© Scoop Media