First CDMA/GSM BlackBerry Smartphone, Coupled with Always-On Global E-Mail
and 24/7 Help Desk, Keeps Travelers Connected In More Than 60 Countries
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and WATERLOO, Ontario, April 25 /PRNewswire/ --
Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network,
and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM: TSX: RIM), a global leader in
wireless innovation, today introduced the first Global CDMA/GSM
BlackBerry(R). The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be
available on May 14 through Verizon Wireless' business sales channels and
in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on May 28.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070425/NYW030 )
In addition, Verizon Wireless announced the May 14 availability of its
new Global BlackBerry service, an "always-on, always connected" wireless
e-mail solution that provides quick, easy access to e-mail, contacts,
calendar, organizer and the Web while on-the-go. With the BlackBerry 8830
World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon
Wireless, customers get wireless e-mail and the convenience of one local
number for domestic and international use in Australia, Europe, parts of
Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.
Verizon Wireless' new Global BlackBerry service allows customers to
place and receive voice calls from more than 150 countries and send and
receive e- mails in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries
worldwide. With Global BlackBerry service, Verizon Wireless customers
receive the Global Support Pack, which includes a SIM card, a user
reference guide and details on accessing the Global Help Desk for 24-hour
customer support, seven days a week. Customers also receive a calling card
for free support calls while traveling outside of the U.S. from any
landline phone to technical support if the BlackBerry 8830 is lost, broken
or stolen.
"The BlackBerry 8830 with Verizon Wireless' Global BlackBerry service
will set a new standard for global wireless service," said Mike Lanman,
vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "Customers
leave the U.S. with the ultimate productivity tool enhanced by a service
and support package they won't find anywhere else in the industry. This is
the gold standard for the international enterprise, and with its unique
blend of form, function and value, we expect this device to quickly become
our top selling BlackBerry for domestic use as well."
"The BlackBerry 8830 is built on an exciting new device platform that
combines CDMA and GSM/GPRS roaming support with the latest in industrial
design and functional innovations," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-
chief executive officer at Research In Motion. "This innovative and stylish
smartphone includes all the benefits that users have come to love about the
BlackBerry solution along with a compelling new global service from Verizon
Wireless."
The BlackBerry 8830 provides an international option for enterprise
customers of all Verizon Business groups. The Verizon branded companies
offer customers a portfolio of wired and wireless solutions inclusive of
the recently announced BroadbandAccess Router Service.
Features and Pricing for the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone
and Global BlackBerry Service
The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone packs the latest
features into a stylish global device and offers the following capabilities
and features:
- EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than
60 countries
- GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and e-mail while traveling
internationally
- Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
- Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
- New Trackball navigation system
- Media player
- Expandable memory option with microSD(TM) card (sold separately)
- Speakerphone
- Bluetooth(R) capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free,
dial-up networking and serial port
- Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated
Dialing (VAD)
- Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication
The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available in May
for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An
additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for
customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of
purchase.
Customers signing up for Global BlackBerry service will get unlimited
e- mail in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide
for $64.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan, or for $69.99
monthly access without a voice plan. Customers can also add a "Pay As You
Go" data feature to any qualifying voice plan for an additional $20 per
Megabyte. Customers wanting to use the BlackBerry 8830 for e-mail solely in
the U.S. may opt for an unlimited e-mail plan beginning at $49.99 monthly
access.
Customers may request more information on the BlackBerry 8830 World
Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless at
http://www.verizonwireless.com/global. For more information on BlackBerry devices
from Verizon Wireless, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/blackberry. Business
customers should contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative
directly at 1-800-VZW-4-BIZ.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and
data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US
wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues,
Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000
employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon
Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more
information on the Web at http://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
http://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 e-mail, 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(R) wireless platform, the RIM
Wireless Handheld(TM) 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 http://www.rim.com or http://www.blackberry.com.
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
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cautioned that such forward- looking statements involve risks and
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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
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