CSL Introduces The BlackBerry 7100g Business Phone In Hong Kong

    News Editors

    HONG KONG & WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2005--

    Innovative Device with Full BlackBerry Experience In A Stylish 'Candy Bar' Phone Design

    CSL and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry 7100g(TM) business phone in Hong Kong with commercial availability expected in mid-February.

    Developed and manufactured by RIM, the BlackBerry 7100g is a breakthrough mobile device that delivers the power of BlackBerry(R) in a stylish 'candy bar' mobile phone design. The BlackBerry 7100g has been developed for active mobile professionals who want to manage work responsibilities and keep in touch with family, friends and the latest news while on the go, using one integrated device.

    The typing experience on the BlackBerry 7100g is exceptional thanks to a new keyboard technology from RIM called SureType(TM) that effectively converges a phone keypad and a QWERTY keyboard to fit elegantly within the size constraints of a conventional mobile phone design. The keyboard works in conjunction with a sophisticated, real-time software system that incorporates a large word database, linguistic intelligence and advanced learning capabilities to automatically interpret keystrokes and recognize words with a high degree of accuracy.

    With dedicated 'Send' and 'End' keys and a thumb operated track wheel for fast and convenient navigation, the BlackBerry 7100g with SureType provides users with an instinctively familiar look and feel and allows them to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably.

    In addition to top-of-the-line phone and messaging capabilities, the BlackBerry 7100g includes a large and bright, high-resolution color screen, a speakerphone, Bluetooth(R) support, quad-band radio for international roaming, 32MB of flash memory, 4MB of SRAM and polyphonic ring tone support.

    "BlackBerry from CSL has been a popular wireless email solution among corporations and business professionals. We are pleased to introduce the BlackBerry 7100g, which enables a consistent BlackBerry experience in a stylish phone design," said Mike Robey, Chief Operating Officer of CSL.

    "With BlackBerry operating on CSL's quality voice and data network, customers can enjoy reliable mobile communications with extensive GPRS roaming coverage worldwide(i). Also, customers are served by CSL's dedicated 24-hour international toll free hotline and a team of BlackBerry certified sales and technical experts who are ready to answer any questions that may arise," he said.

    "The new BlackBerry 7100g combines the highly advanced BlackBerry features with a traditional mobile phone design, resulting in an innovative and powerful device that is ideal for mobile phone users looking to upgrade from their existing mobile phone," said Mark Guibert, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "With the introduction of the BlackBerry 7100g from CSL, tech-savvy Hong Kong customers now have a new stylish and powerful alternative that can keep them connected with the ability to manage their work and personal lives wherever they go."

    Please visit www.hkcsl.com for further details on the BlackBerry 7100g.

    Note to Editors: Images of the BlackBerry 7100g are available at: http://www.rim.com/news/kit/media/downloads/index.shtml

    About Hong Kong CSL Limited (CSL)

    CSL is a pioneer in the mobile communications market in Hong Kong. The Company launched its mobile services in 1983, and today operates a world-class GSM / WCDMA network through its mobile brands: 1O1O and One2Free. Pioneer to introduce HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE and MMS, the Company launched 3G and Wi-Fi Service in December 2004.

    CSL is 100% owned by Telstra. For more information about CSL, please visit www.hkcsl.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, Research In Motion provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. Research In Motion technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. Research In Motion'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 Research In Motion Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, Research In Motion operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Research In Motion 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.

    (i) Check with CSL for GSM/GPRS 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, SureType 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.



    Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSX:RIM)

--30--CCN/na*

CONTACT: CSL Media Contacts: Vivian Shek (852) 2883 5029 Vivian.YL.Shek@hkcsl.com OR Research In Motion, Asia Pacific Katie Lee (852) 6277 6841 kalee@rim.com OR Brodeur Worldwide for RIM Courtney Flaherty 1 (212) 771-3637 cflaherty@brodeur.com OR Investor Contact: RIM Investor Relations (519) 888-7465 investor_relations@rim.com

KEYWORD: NEW YORK HONG KONG CHINA INTERNATIONAL CANADA ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: Research In Motion

Copyright Business Wire 2005