Sprint Enhances Blackberry Portfolio with Mobile Broadband-Powered Devices for the Sprint Power Visi
Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced expansion of the BlackBerry portfolio for Sprint Mobile
Broadband Service, including the introduction of the BlackBerry 7130e from Sprint, capable of taking advantage of broadband-like speeds delivered
on the Sprint Power Vision Network*. Sprint today has the nation's largest mobile broadband network covering more than 150 million people in 220
major metropolitan areas as well as 470 airports across the nation.
"Sprint is committed to being on the forefront of meeting demand for mobility solutions," said Danny Bowman, vice president of product marketing
for Sprint. "Combining the power of Sprint's Mobile Broadband service with innovative BlackBerry devices provides Sprint customers with more
options for extending the workplace and getting more done in more places."
BlackBerry 7130e powered by Sprint
Operating on the Sprint Power Vision Network, the BlackBerry 7130e provides complete BlackBerry functionality at broadband-like speeds (average
download speeds of 400-700kpbs and up to 2Mbps**) giving customers rich phone and messaging features for extending the workplace and enjoying
life. It combines top-of-the-line features like Bluetooth Wireless technology, speakerphone, high-resolution color display and SureType keyboard
technology into a sleek, stylish handset. The BlackBerry 7130e can also be used as a tethered modem in conjunction with a laptop for high-speed
Internet and data application access anywhere Sprint has coverage. Key features include:
* Support for Sprint Mobile Broadband service on the nation's largest mobile broadband network
* Lightweight, slim design with large color display
* Full-featured phone
* BlackBerry "Push" Technology
* Phone-as-modem capability
* SureType technology, which combines a traditional phone keypad and familiar QWERTY keyboard for quick, accurate and comfortable dialing and
data input
* Bluetooth Wireless technology headset and car kit support
* Speakerphone
* Dedicated "send" and "end" keys
* 64MB of flash memory, 16 Mb SRAM
* Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats
"The BlackBerry 7130e and Sprint Mobile Broadband service provide customers with a high-performance mobile solution in a slim and stylish
design," said Mark Guibert, vice president of corporate marketing at RIM. "It's an exceptional choice for customers looking to upgrade their
existing mobile phone with a new handset that's both powerful and easy to use."
The BlackBerry 7130e is currently available at Sprint Stores, Sprint business sales channels and online at www.sprint.com for $199.99 after
available discounts and promotions.
Mobile Broadband Capabilities for the BlackBerry 7250 powered by Sprint
Customers purchasing the BlackBerry 7250 from Sprint today can also benefit from broadband-like data speeds of the Sprint Power Vision Network.
The BlackBerry 7250 previously introduced by Sprint in 2005, now also features Sprint Mobile Broadband service. The EV-DO-capable device comes
equipped with a full-featured phone, Bluetooth Wireless technology, backlit QWERTY keyboard and thumb-operated trackwheel navigation and can also
be used as a tethered modem for flexible connectivity options.
Later this year, Sprint will make an EV-DO software upgrade available online to customers who purchased the BlackBerry 7250 from Sprint prior to
May 1, 2006 that will allow those users to take advantage of Sprint's broadband-like data speeds on the nation's largest mobile broadband
network.
BlackBerry Smart Card Reader
Sprint is also now selling the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader through its business sales channels, offering further convenience to its business
customers. The BlackBerry Smart Card Readers is a lightweight, wearable smart card reader that enables controlled access to a BlackBerry device
enabled with Bluetooth Wireless technology. The solution provides an additional layer of security (two-factor authentication) and supports a
variety of smart cards used by security-conscious organizations including those in the government and financial services sectors. The BlackBerry
Smart Card Reader operates with BlackBerry devices for both the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network (CDMA) and Nextel National Network (iDEN).
For complete details about the BlackBerry offerings for the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network and the Nextel National Network visit
www.sprint.com.
Sprint Power Vision Network
Sprint customers can currently use several devices on the Sprint Power Vision Network, including the BlackBerry 7130e, to take advantage of
average download speeds of 400-700 kbps and peak speeds up to 2Mbps. Sprint today has the most wireless broadband coverage of any carrier. The
Sprint Power Vision Network is expected to reach an estimated 190 million people nationwide by the end of the year. Sprint plans to concurrently
implement second-generation (EV-DO Revision A) upgrades to deliver additional mobility benefits to users in 1Q 2007.
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.
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.
* Within EV-DO data wireless service coverage area only. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design.
Backward-compatible with 1xRTT.
** Speed claims based on Sprint network tests. Actual speeds and coverage may vary.
Source: Sprint Nextel
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