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Vodafone and RIM Introduce Two New BlackBerry Handsets


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BlackBerry 8707v and BlackBerry 7130v help Australians take the inbox and business applications out of the office

August 2, 2006, Sydney, Australia and Waterloo, ON - Vodafone Australia and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) have launched two new BlackBerry® handsets – the BlackBerry 8707v™ and the BlackBerry 7130v™.

The BlackBerry 8707v and BlackBerry 7130v support push email, phone, text messaging, Internet, organizer and corporate data applications. Both handsets feature a high-resolution LCD screen that supports more than, 65,000 colors and incorporates intelligent light sensing technology that automatically adjusts the screen and keyboard lighting to provide an optimized view indoors, outdoors and in dark environments.

Featuring a full 35-key backlit QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry 8707v is the first UMTS-enabled BlackBerry handset that can take advantage of Vodafone’s mobile broadband network and supports roaming internationally(1). The handset also supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS (quad band) networks. In addition, the BlackBerry 8707v allows customers to surf the Internet, send and receive emails or use other mobile applications while simultaneously speaking on the phone. The BlackBerry 8707v can also be used as a tethered modem to enable users to access the Internet from their laptop computers.

“Mobile access to email and business information is becoming a prerequisite for competing and winning business and making the most of every opportunity,” said Edward Goff, General Manager Business Markets at Vodafone Australia.

“The launch of the two new BlackBerry handsets reinforces Vodafone’s over-arching vision of delivering true mobility to Australian businesses and their employees,” said Goff. “Both the BlackBerry 8707v and BlackBerry 7130v give users greater control and flexibility over the way they communicate and do business.”

Edward Goff continues: “The BlackBerry 8707v also offers customers the ability to keep laptops connected to Vodafone’s mobile broadband network, which is now available in most Australian capital cities(2). The dashboard software, which supports the mobile broadband modem capability, is scheduled for launch around September”.

“The BlackBerry 8707v and BlackBerry 7130v are ideal for customers looking for superior messaging and browsing capabilities as well as premium phone features in a single handset,” said Norm Lo, Vice President, Asia Pacific at Research In Motion. “We are very pleased to be working with Vodafone to bring these innovative handsets to customers in Australia.”

The BlackBerry 7130v incorporates RIM’s SureType™ keyboard technology, which merges a phone keypad with QWERTY keyboard to allow a narrower design and enable users to quickly and accurately type messages and dial phone numbers.

Both the BlackBerry 8707v and the BlackBerry 7130v are supported by all BlackBerry software and services including the new BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ Express, which allows users to benefit from the same enterprise-level security, reliability, features and functionality of BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1 in a simple and effective solution. BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is available now as a free download (www.blackberry.com/go/express) to customers who purchase a new BlackBerry handset from Vodafone(3).

About Vodafone

Vodafone Group Plc is a leading mobile communications company. Vodafone Group has ownership interests in 26 countries, and partner networks in a further 33 countries - leaving an unmatched network footprint. The company provides quality services to 3.51 million Australian customers and has more than 170.6 million proportionate customers worldwide.

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.

(1)Check with service provider for availability, roaming arrangements and service plans.

(2) Vodafone 3G services are available with a 3G handset within 3G coverage areas in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and are subject to network availability.

(3) Please refer to www.blackberry.com/go/express for more details.

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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