BusinessWire
October 14, 2005 05:05 AM US Pacific Timezone

Nextel Partners and RIM Introduce New BlackBerry 7100i(TM); Sleek Handset Features Phone, Wireless E-Mail, Bluetooth and GPS Navigation

KIRKLAND, Wash. & WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2005--Nextel Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTP) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSX:RIM) today announced the availability of the BlackBerry 7100i Wireless Handheld(TM). The BlackBerry 7100i(TM) from Nextel features an integrated phone, wireless e-mail and data applications for customers who want the power of BlackBerry with the look and feel of a traditional wireless phone.

Operating on Nextel's all-digital network, the BlackBerry 7100i from Nextel is the only BlackBerry 7100 series device that provides real-time GPS navigation. The BlackBerry 7100i continues to provide a true mobile office experience, enabling phone, Bluetooth(R) technology, Walkie-talkie, wireless e-mail, personal organizer, GPS technology and data applications in a single integrated device.

"The BlackBerry 7100i offers a sleek design for those who want voice functionality first and foremost. The 7100i also provides mobile professionals the freedom to access information and communicate while away from the office," said Nextel Partners' Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Ryder. "Through the BlackBerry's array of useful features, downtime can be transformed into productivity, giving mobile workers and busy executives the freedom to do more."

Features included in the BlackBerry 7100i from Nextel:

-- Wireless e-mail -- send and automatically receive business and personal email anywhere on the Nextel National network

-- Digital Cellular Phone -- talk with or without a hands-free device

-- SureType(TM) Technology -- type easily and quickly on the phone keypad

-- Bluetooth capabilities -- talk hands-free with Bluetooth-enabled wireless headsets, earpieces and car kits

-- GPS-enabled -- get real-time audible and visual driving directions to your next destination

-- Walkie-talkie -- connect in under a second at a fraction of the cost of digital cellular

-- LCD color screen -- easily view information on large, high-resolution screen (240 x 260)

-- Multimedia Messaging Services -- send, receive and store text messages, pictures, audio files and ringtones

-- Speakerphone -- set-up a conference call on the spot

-- Enhanced attachment viewing -- view and store JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG and TIFF files and save images directly from attachments for easy viewing(a)

-- Full wireless Personal Organizer synchronization -- automatically and wirelessly synchronize calendar, address book, notes and tasks(a)

-- Nextel Online(R) Wireless Web

-- Powerful Mobile Applications -- supported by new Java(TM) Development Environment for BlackBerry(R) v4.0

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server software tightly integrates with Microsoft(R) Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino(R), or Novell(R) GroupWise(R) and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to e-mail and other corporate data. The BlackBerry 7100i from Nextel can integrate with a variety of corporate data applications targeted to key market segments such as financial, government, distribution, professional services, real estate, field sales and service, construction and manufacturing.

For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service(TM) allows users to access up to ten supported corporate and/or personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.

The BlackBerry 7100i from Nextel Partners is available today through select Nextel retail stores, online at www.nextel.com/blackberry, or by calling 877-619-5037. Corporate customers can also contact their account manager.

About Nextel Partners

Nextel Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTP), a FORTUNE 1000 company based in Kirkland, Wash., has exclusive rights to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside. Nextel Partners and Nextel Communications together offer the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country serving 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.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 BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) 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.

(a) BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 required

The BlackBerry 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. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.