MILWAUKEE and WATERLOO, Ont., Nov. 30, 2005 – U.S. Cellular today announced that it is working with Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) to bring BlackBerry® to its customers. U.S. Cellular will offer the BlackBerry 7250 Wireless Handheld™ with support for both BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ and BlackBerry Internet Service™.
U.S. Cellular customers will be able to access their e-mail on the same seamless, high-quality network that brings them voice services today. Customers will have access to a comprehensive mobile e-mail, voice, web browsing and data communications solution with advanced security and manageability.
“We are always searching for ways to help busy customers stay connected so that they can be more productive,” said Lou Brazzoni, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Wisconsin. “The BlackBerry wireless solution is proven and popular, particularly among business users. And by combining BlackBerry with U.S. Cellular’s powerful digital network and unparalleled voice services, we will provide our customers with a leading wireless solution for their mobile needs.”
“BlackBerry helps people manage their personal and professional lives more effectively by turning ‘idle time’ into productive time,” said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. “We are very pleased to introduce the benefits of the BlackBerry solution to U.S. Cellular customers.”
The BlackBerry 7250 Wireless Handheld combines mobile text messaging and high-clarity voice calls, and gives users the ability to stay connected and remain productive in or out of the office. The device’s ergonomic design is highlighted by a large screen and full QWERTY keyboard. The 7250 also includes Bluetooth® technology, for use with wireless headsets and hands-free car kits.
For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange, Novell GroupWise™ and IBM Lotus® Domino™ and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to e-mail and other corporate data. For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service allows users to access up to ten supported corporate and personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, and most popular ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.
“The combination of voice, e-mail and web technologies in a single device gives customers a powerful tool to stay connected all the time,” said Brazzoni. “Whether sitting at the airport or at the soccer field, U.S. Cellular customers can now remain connected while on the go.”
BlackBerry from U.S. Cellular® will be available for $44.95 per month (e-mail and web services only) or $39.95 per month (when combined with an eligible U.S. Cellular voice plan).
BlackBerry from U.S. Cellular is supported by the experience and service customers have come to expect from U.S. Cellular, including a new dedicated customer service troubleshooting line. For more information on U.S. Cellular’s phones, plans and accessories, visit www.uscellular.com.
About U.S. Cellular
As of June 30, 2005, Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corporation (AMEX: USM), the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier, provided service to more than 5.2 million customers in 25 states. With 2004 service revenues of $2.64 billion, U.S. Cellular maintains one of the industry’s highest levels of customer satisfaction by emphasizing customer support, quality network coverage and a comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company is an active corporate citizen through charitable contributions, award-winning community relations programs and associate volunteer activities. For more information, visit www.uscellular.com.
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 e-mail, 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 BlackBerryÒ 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.
