Verizon Wireless Brings BroadbandAccess To New BlackBerry 7130e With Tethered Modem Capabilities
New BroadbandAccess Connect Service Bundles Tethering Option in Verizon Wireless’ Voice, Data Plans
November 21, 2005
BEDMINSTER, NJ and WATERLOO, ON - Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry 7130e™, the first BlackBerry® handset that takes advantage of Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service on the company’s Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network. Coupled with Verizon Wireless’ new BroadbandAccess Connect pricing, the BlackBerry 7130e delivers all the popular e-mail and data capabilities available with the BlackBerry wireless platform and can also serve as a modem for customers who want to use the device to connect their laptop with Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service.
With BroadbandAccess Connect, customers can use their BlackBerry 7130e as a modem for downloading large documents to a laptop at speeds averaging 400 to 700 kbps on Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service that covers more than 140 million Americans in 171 major metropolitan areas. BroadbandAccess Connect is available for $15 with any Verizon Wireless BlackBerry voice and unlimited data plan beginning at $79.99; or $30 with the purchase of a BlackBerry data-only plan for $49.99.
“BroadbandAccess is rapidly becoming the standard for wireless connectivity in the business world,” said Bill Stone, vice-president marketing for Verizon Wireless. “BroadbandAccess Connect on the new BlackBerry 7130e introduces another option for customers who view office mobility and speed as a competitive advantage in their business.”
“The BlackBerry 7130e together with Verizon Wireless’ fast EV-DO network is a powerful tool for mobile professionals who want the power and productivity benefits of BlackBerry in a sophisticated mobile phone design,” said Don Morrison, Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion. “The BlackBerry 7130e is an excellent choice for customers looking to upgrade their existing phone with a more powerful handset that combines a full featured phone with industry-leading wireless e-mail and data applications.”
The new BlackBerry 7130e combines comprehensive phone functionality with the renowned BlackBerry platform features, including support for ‘push-based’ wireless e-mail, Web browser, text messaging, personal organizer and other corporate data applications. Seamlessly operating on Verizon Wireless’ NationalAccess 1XRTT and BroadbandAccess EV-DO network technologies, the sleek and stylish BlackBerry 7130e with chrome accents delivers enhanced usability as well as fast Web and data handling in conjunction with Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service on the high speed EV-DO network.
The BlackBerry 7130e handset offers top-of-the-line features such as a large, bright, high resolution LCD screen that has been optimized for indoor and outdoor viewing, Bluetooth® support for certain profiles, 64MB of flash memory, dedicated “send” and “end” phone keys, an intuitive user interface as well as excellent battery life.
The BlackBerry 7130e also features SureType™ keyboard technology from RIM. SureType effectively converges a wireless device keypad and a QWERTY keyboard to fit elegantly within the size of a traditional wireless phone form factor. Through an integrated keyboard and software system, SureType provides users with an instinctively familiar look and feel and enables them to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably.
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 e-mail and other corporate data. For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service™ allows users to access up to ten corporate and/or personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.
The BlackBerry 7130e is available through business channels and online at www.verizonwireless.com today. Starting December 1, the BlackBerry 7130e will also be available in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country and at Circuit City locations for $299.99 with a two-year customer agreement.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, including BroadbandAccess, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN. Business customers can contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative directly at 1-800-VZW-4-BIZ.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
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.
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