Cingular and RIM provide Next Generation wireless path for Blackberry customers
Companies Showcase New GPRS-Based Solutions At WAVE 2003
Las Vegas, NV - February 10, 2003 - Cingular Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM)
(Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) will showcase a new suite of BlackBerry handhelds and software
for the Cingular GSM/GPRS high-speed voice and data network at Cingular's WAVE 2003
conference this week. Cingular will be introducing its new Xpress Mail with BlackBerry
service for GSM/GPRS on February 17, 2003.
Together, the companies are providing customers with a broadening choice of devices,
network service and functionality. The Java-based BlackBerry handhelds feature integrated
email, phone, browser and organizer applications and BlackBerry Enterprise Server
v3.5 goes beyond wireless email with secure corporate data access capabilities and
advanced IT management features.
The upcoming addition of BlackBerry Web Client will also allow users to access multiple
email accounts (including POP3 and ISP accounts) from a single handheld. Other upcoming
software enhancements will expand funtionality with features such as cradle-free
email synchronization, remote address lookup, integrated attachment viewing, secure
intranet browsing and wireless IT controls.
With the addition of GPRS-based products, Cingular customers can now choose the
Xpress Mail with BlackBerry service operating on Cingular's Mobitex or 1900 MHz
GSM/GPRS networks according to their specific needs. Customers can also easily maintain
a mixed deployment that can be supported by a single BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
Cingular and RIM also announced plans to offer 850/1900 MHz dual band devices to
support Cingular's efforts to offer nationwide service on both Mobitex and GSM/GPRS
networks. Pricing options for the new Xpress Mail with BlackBerry service for GSM/GPRS
include a $19.99 monthly service plan with 3 MB of email usage and a $39.99 monthly
service plan with unlimited email usage. Both are data add-on plans that can be
bundled with any of Cingular's standard GSM rate plans.
"Cingular Mobitex customers enjoy industry leading products, dependable services
and the largest network presence in the U.S.," said Charles Nelson, president of
Cingular Interactive. "The introduction of new GPRS-based BlackBerry handhelds represent
our commitment to extending the quality and reliability of our Mobitex offering
to our next generation network customers."
"Cingular and RIM have built the most successful wireless enterprise service offering
to date with thousands of companies and government organizations using BlackBerry
over Mobitex to stay connected and productive," said Larry Conlee, Chief Operating
Officer at RIM. "We look forward to expanding that success by continuing to deliver
unmatched technology and value and providing customers with a growing choice of
options."
About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE - SBC) and BellSouth (NYSE - BLS), serves more than 22 million voice and data customers across the United States. A leader in mobile voice and data communications, Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Cingular provides cellular/PCS service in 43 of the top 50 markets nationwide, and provides corporate e-mail and other advanced data services through its GPRS and Mobitex packet data networks. Cingular offers Mobitex service in 99 of the top 100 markets nationwide. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.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. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerryTM wireless platform, the RIM Wireless HandheldTM 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.