WIND Mobile to launch the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone

WIND Mobile to offer pre-paid and post-paid BlackBerry service plans, with no contract required

TORONTO , Dec. 15 /CNW/ - WIND Mobile announced today that it will offer the new BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9700 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) with a new approach to BlackBerry(R) service plans that will deliver choice, control and value to Canadians.

"For our pending launch, we are delighted to confirm that the BlackBerry Bold 9700 will be available to WIND Mobile customers," said Ken Campbell , CEO of WIND Mobile. "This is a state-of-art 3G smartphone from one of the world's leaders in wireless innovation. And our unique value proposition is to offer Canadians simplicity, control and value with our BlackBerry service plans."

Simplicity: No contract is required when a WIND Mobile customer purchases a BlackBerry smartphone or signs up for BlackBerry service.

Control: WIND Mobile will be the first wireless carrier in Canada to offer BlackBerry service on a pre-paid or post-pay basis - enabling customers to manage their spending and extending service to customers who may not have a credit history.

Value: With no required minimum voice spend and compelling entry level and full service optional add-ons packed with unlimited features, WIND Mobile is making BlackBerry service more accessible than ever.

The new 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), a 3.2MP camera and a sharp, dazzling display. Cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extend to the exterior of the handset as well, with a smoothly integrated touch-sensitive trackpad and a highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard. The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smartphone's sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in one hand.

"RIM congratulates WIND Mobile on the upcoming launch of their wireless network in Canada and is very pleased to offer the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 to WIND customers," said Don Morrison , Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion. "The compact and beautifully designed BlackBerry Bold 9700 delivers state-of-the-art features and performance and is ideal for both personal and professional use."

Key features of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone from WIND Mobile include:

    
    -  Sleek design measuring 109 mm x 60 mm x 14.1 mm and weighing 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(R) (802.11 b/g) for faster web browsing and extended
       data coverage
    -  3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, autofocus, flash and video recording
    -  BlackBerry(R) OS 5.0, offering users email management and calendar
       enhancements* as well as a better browsing experience with faster
       JavaScript and CSS processing
    -  Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well
       as photo geotagging
    -  Media player for videos, pictures and music (music play now extended
       up to 38 hours), plus support for BlackBerry(R) 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**
    -  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.
    -  Bluetooth(R) (2.1) with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free
       headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals

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

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.

About Globalive Holdings and WIND Mobile

Globalive Holdings is a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in Canada and internationally to the consumer, business and hospitality markets. The Globalive companies include: WIND Mobile, Yak Communications, One Connect, Canopco and Globalive Carrier Services. For more information, visit www.globalive.com.

WIND Mobile will provide voice, text and data services to Canadians on a next-generation wireless network and is committed to offering a level of wireless service presently not available in Canada . WIND is built on actual conversations that are happening with Canadians who are passionate about wireless and creating a better mobile offering nationally. For more information about WIND Mobile, please visit www.WINDmobile.ca.

For further information: Rick Byun, Narrative Advocacy Media, [phone] or [email protected]