Sprint and RIM Introduce Blackberry 8703e Featuring Sprint Mobile Broadband and GPS Capability

Sprint gives customers the power to do more in more places on the nation’s largest mobile broadband network

RESTON, Va., and WATERLOO, ON. — 09/20/2006 - Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry® 8703e from Sprint with updated features, including EV-DO support and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capability in a sleek and light design. The BlackBerry 8703e is the latest BlackBerry handset offered by Sprint that is capable of taking advantage of broadband-like speeds provided by the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network(1) - the nation’s largest mobile broadband network covering more than 157 million people in 216 major metropolitan areas as well as 486 airports across the nation. The BlackBerry 8703e enhances productivity, extends the workplace, and provides Sprint customers flexibility for managing life on the go.

“Sprint is providing mobile professionals the ability to leverage every available moment, by making those available moments more productive,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of product marketing for Sprint. “Mobile professionals, as well as working families, are looking for ways to stay in touch, and a mobile handset like the BlackBerry 8703e can give them the peace of mind and flexibility they are looking for so that they can continue to be productive and do what they want, when they want.”

BlackBerry 8703e powered by Sprint

The BlackBerry 8703e provides complete BlackBerry functionality at broadband-like speeds (average download speeds of 400-700kpbs and up to 2Mbps peak speeds(2)) to deliver a dynamic, highly responsive experience when downloading attachments and graphics, browsing the Web and running wireless applications. It can also be used as a tethered modem in conjunction with a laptop for high-speed Internet and data application access anywhere Sprint has Power Vision Network coverage.

The BlackBerry 8703e includes integrated GPS (assisted-GPS) enabled through Sprint to deliver support for popular location-based services to mobile users, such as turn-by-turn driving directions to any address, anywhere on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network.

With additional key features like email, phone, browser, organizer, Bluetooth® wireless technology, speakerphone, high-resolution color display and full QWERTY keyboard the BlackBerry 8703e is designed to provide customers with a rich phone and messaging experience in an all-in-one, stylish device.

Key features include:

* Sprint Mobile Broadband enabled on the Sprint Power Vision Network, the nation’s largest mobile broadband network
* Fast Web browsing, application performance and attachment viewing
* GPS-enabled to support location-based services
* BlackBerry “push” technology
* Phone-as-modem capability
* Bluetooth® wireless technology headset and car kit support
* High-resolution color LCD screen, automatically adjusts lighting for indoor and outdoor viewing
* Complete, high-end phone features including speakerphone, dedicated “send,” “end” and “mute” keys, plus user-definable “convenience” keys
* Bluetooth® 2.0 to support wireless headsets and car kits
* 64MB of flash memory to store and run powerful enterprise, personal productivity and game applications
* Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats

“The BlackBerry 8703e running on the Sprint Power Vision Network is a high-performance productivity tool. It is easy to use, yet provides industry leading functionality and exceptional flexibility for people on the go,” said Larry Conlee, Chief Operating Officer, at RIM.

The BlackBerry 8703e will be available Oct. 1, 2006, through Sprint business and indirect sales channels, at Sprint retail locations, and online at www.sprintbizstore.com for $349.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement. Additional rebates may apply.

Additional information on Sprint Mobile Broadband, including coverage maps showing current and future coverage, Mobile Broadband service plans, and the latest access devices, can be found at http://powervision.sprint.com/mobilebroadband/.

Customers purchasing the BlackBerry 8703e from Sprint as a replacement for an existing mobile phone are encouraged to donate their current phone to Sprint Project Connect. Donated phones, regardless of make, model or service provider, will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner or refurbished and resold with proceeds benefiting K-12 education. More information, including a prepaid mailing label, can be found at www.sprint.com/projectconnect.

Sprint Power Vision Network

Sprint operates the nation’s largest mobile broadband network today, reaching over 157 million people, and continues to expand its high-speed network, which is expected to reach 200 million people in the U.S. (both EV-DO Revisions 0 and A) in 220 major metropolitan areas by the end of 2006.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of communications services bringing mobility to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

Contact Information

Jackie Bostick

Media Contact

Sprint Nextel

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