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Vodafone and Research In Motion Launch Ireland’s First UMTS-enabled BlackBerry Handset


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Dublin, Ireland and Waterloo, ON - Vodafone Ireland and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM)today introduced the BlackBerry® 8707v™ for business and individual customers in Ireland. With the launch of the BlackBerry 8707v, mobile workers will continue to take advantage of proven BlackBerry functionality, leveraging Vodafone’s UMTS network.

Like the range of popular BlackBerry devices already available to Vodafone Ireland’s customers, the BlackBerry 8707v delivers support for push-based e-mail, phone, text messaging, Internet, organizer and corporate data applications. The BlackBerry 8707v can also be used as a tethered modem to enable users to access the Internet from their laptop computer. An additional advantage of the new handset is its ability to send and receive e-mail, or use other mobile applications, while simultaneously speaking on the phone.

“BlackBerry from Vodafone has become hugely successful in Ireland, helping mobile staff to save time and boost efficiency. Likewise, thousands of companies are benefiting from our UMTS network. The BlackBerry 8707v leverages the Vodafone network to provide BlackBerry customers with access to the Internet, e-mail, phone and corporate data applications quickly while out of the office,” said Shane Brodbin, BlackBerry Product Manager at Vodafone Ireland. “With these powerful business tools, the new BlackBerry 8707v provides people with multiple ways to quickly and easily stay in touch with colleagues, partners and customers.”

“The BlackBerry 8707v is a tool for success in work and life because it optimizes wireless connectivity for its users. In addition to the unmatched experience for integrated email, voice, Internet browsing and other mobile applications, the BlackBerry 8707v is a tethered modem that can connect users’ laptops to the Internet on the go,” said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President, EMEA at Research In Motion. “We are delighted to bring the BlackBerry 8707v to Vodafone’s customers in Ireland.”

The BlackBerry 8707v functions on 2100 MHz UMTS networks, and also supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS (quad band) networks, making it the perfect companion for overseas travel*. It also includes 64 MB flash memory and a full-color QVGA (320 x 240) LCD screen, as well as intelligent light sensing technology to optimize indoor and outdoor viewing. The BlackBerry 8707v also features a full QWERTY keyboard, as well as built-in speakerphone and Bluetooth® functionality for wireless use with headsets and car kits.

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, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

About Vodafone Ireland

Vodafone is Ireland’s leading mobile phone operator with a base of over 2.075 million customers and 1,900 employees. Vodafone customers account for 49% of the mobile market in Ireland. On May 11, 2001 the Irish company officially became a subsidiary of the Vodafone Group plc, the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world. The Vodafone Group has equity interests in 27 countries across 5 continents, and partner networks in a further 33 countries, serving more than 170¹ million proportionate customers worldwide.

About Research In Motion

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 Ireland 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.



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