Rogers Introduces the New BlackBerry Bold 9700 Smartphone

Newest 3G BlackBerry smartphone will arrive at Rogers in the coming weeks

TORONTO , Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Rogers Wireless today announced that it will be offering the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9700, the latest 3G smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM), in the coming weeks.

Running on Canada's most reliable network, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone offers top-of-the-line performance, functionality and features with support for 3G HSDPA networks around the world, a next-generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi(R), 3.2MP camera and sharp, dazzling display. Cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extend to the exterior of the handset as well. The new model integrates a touch-sensitive trackpad and the highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard found in RIM's premium full-QWERTY handsets. Chrome highlights and a leatherette back add to the new smartphone's sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch frame allow it to sit comfortably in one hand.

"The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is certainly a sight to behold," said John Boynton , Executive Vice President, Marketing, Rogers Communications. "Rogers is pleased to add this stylish, high performing device to our lineup of leading-edge smartphones, just in time for the holiday season."

"The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 delivers state-of-the-art features and performance in a compact and beautifully designed handset," said Don Morrison , Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion. "This sleek and powerful 3G smartphone offers an incredibly refined mobile experience that is ideal for both personal and professional use."

Features of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone from Rogers include:

    
    -   Sleek design measuring 109 mm x 60 mm x 14.1 mm and weighing only 122
        grams
    -   Sharp and dazzling 2.44" light-sensing display (480 x 360 resolution
        at 245 ppi)
    -   Highly tactile, full QWERTY keyboard - with finely sculpted keys and
        chrome frets - for fast, accurate typing
    -   Innovative touch-sensitive trackpad that allows intuitive and
        responsive navigation
    -   Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
    -   Access to applications including TeleNav GPS Navigator, SalesNOW
        Mobile Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Momentem Time and
        Expense Tracker, and the unique to Rogers Name Display and WhoCalled
        features
    -   BlackBerry(R) Internet Service and BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server
        support, with customers having dedicated access to Rogers 24/7
        technical support in Canada and worldwide
    -   Access to Tier 2 Enterprise Support Centre for Rogers BlackBerry
        Enterprise Server customers
    -   Access to the Rogers urMusic application, which allows users to
        sideload music for free and discover, browse and download songs.
        urMusic also gives access to the best LiveNation(R) concerts with
        Wireless Box Office(TM), a mobile ticketing service where Rogers pays
        the service charges
    -   3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, autofocus, flash and video
        recording
    -   Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well
        as photo geotagging
    -   256 MB of Flash memory
    -   microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB cards today
        and is expected to support 32 GB cards when available; a 2GB card is
        included
    -   Media player for videos, pictures and music, plus support for
        BlackBerry Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry(R)
        Media Sync for easily syncing iTunes(R) and Windows Media(R) Player
        music with the smartphone*
    -   A 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, dedicated volume controls, Lock and
        Mute keys seamlessly integrated across the top of the handset
    -   Access to BlackBerry App World(TM), featuring a broad and growing
        catalog of mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry
        smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, IM and social
        networking, news, weather, productivity and more.
    -   Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise
        suppression technology and high quality speakerphone
    -   Bluetooth(R) (2.1) with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free
        headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals
    -   HSDPA and quad-band EDGE support for global roaming
    -   BlackBerry(R) OS 5.0, offering users email management and calendar
        enhancements(xx) as well as a better browsing experience with faster
        JavaScript and CSS processing
    -   BlackBerry(R) Internet Service and BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server
        support
    -   Removable, rechargeable 1500 mAhr battery that provides approximately
        6 hours of talk time and 17 days of standby time in 3G mode
    

Pricing & Availability

The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone will be available from Rogers in the coming weeks for $299.99 on a three-year voice and data activation with a minimum monthly service plan of $45 .

Check www.rogers.com for availability or www.blackberry.com/Bold9700 for product information.

    
    *    Certain music files may not be supported, including files that
           contain digital rights management technologies.
    (xx)   Some features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0
    

About Rogers Wireless

Rogers Wireless provides wireless voice and data communications services across Canada to more than 8.2 million customers under both the Rogers Wireless and Fido brands. Proven to operate Canada's fastest mobile data network as well as the most reliable network for voice with the clearest reception and fewest dropped calls, Rogers Wireless is Canada's largest wireless provider and the only carrier operating on the global standard GSM and highly advanced HSPA technology platforms. In addition to providing seamless roaming in more than 200 countries/areas with its GSM based services, Rogers Wireless also provides wireless broadband services across Canada utilizing its 2.5GHz fixed wireless spectrum. Rogers Wireless is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RCI), a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For further information, please visit www.rogers.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

For further information: Media Contacts: Ashleigh Blackmore, Rogers Wireless, [phone], [email protected]