Sprint and RIM Introduce BlackBerry 8703e Featuring Sprint Mobile Broadband and GPS Capability

Sprint and RIM Introduce BlackBerry 8703e Featuring Sprint Mobile Broadband and GPS Capability

Sprint gives customers the power to do more in more places on the nation’s largest mobile broadband network

RESTON, Va., and WATERLOO, ON. – Sept. 20, 2006 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerryÃ’ 8703e from Sprint with updated features, including EV-DO support and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capability in a sleek and light design. The BlackBerry 8703e is the latest BlackBerry handset offered by Sprint that is capable of taking advantage of broadband-like speeds provided by the Sprint Power VisionSM Network(1) – the nation’s largest mobile broadband network covering more than 157 million people in 216 major metropolitan areas as well as 486 airports across the nation. The BlackBerry 8703e enhances productivity, extends the workplace, and provides Sprint customers flexibility for managing life on the go.

“Sprint is providing mobile professionals the ability to leverage every available moment, by making those available moments more productive,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of product marketing for Sprint. “Mobile professionals, as well as working families, are looking for ways to stay in touch, and a mobile handset like the BlackBerry 8703e can give them the peace of mind and flexibility they are looking for so that they can continue to be productive and do what they want, when they want.”

BlackBerry 8703e powered by Sprint

The BlackBerry 8703e provides complete BlackBerry functionality at broadband-like speeds (average download speeds of 400-700kpbs and up to 2Mbps peak speeds(2)) to deliver a dynamic, highly responsive experience when downloading attachments and graphics, browsing the Web and running wireless applications It can also be used as a tethered modem in conjunction with a laptop for high-speed Internet and data application access anywhere Sprint has Power Vision Network coverage.

The BlackBerry 8703e includes integrated GPS (assisted-GPS) enabled through Sprint to deliver support for popular location-based services to mobile users, such as turn-by-turn driving directions to any address, anywhere on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network.

With additional key features like email, phone, browser, organizer, Bluetooth® wireless technology, speakerphone, high-resolution color display and full QWERTY keyboard the BlackBerry 8703e is designed to provide customers with a rich phone and messaging experience in an all-in-one, stylish device.

Key features include:

· Sprint Mobile Broadband enabled on the Sprint Power Vision Network, the nation’s largest mobile broadband network

· Fast Web browsing, application performance and attachment viewing

· GPS-enabled to support location-based services

· BlackBerry “push” technology

· Phone-as-modem capability

· BluetoothÒ wireless technology headset and car kit support

· High-resolution color LCD screen, automatically adjusts lighting for indoor and outdoor viewing

· Complete, high-end phone features including speakerphone, dedicated “send,” “end” and “mute” keys, plus user-definable “convenience” keys

· BluetoothÒ 2.0 to support wireless headsets and car kits

· 64MB of flash memory to store and run powerful enterprise, personal productivity and game applications

· Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats

“The BlackBerry 8703e running on the Sprint Power Vision Network is a high-performance productivity tool. It is easy to use, yet provides industry leading functionality and exceptional flexibility for people on the go,” said Larry Conlee, Chief Operating Officer, at RIM.

The BlackBerry 8703e will be available Oct. 1, 2006, through Sprint business and indirect sales channels, at Sprint retail locations, and online at www.sprintbizstore.com
for $349.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement. Additional rebates may apply.

Additional information on Sprint Mobile Broadband, including coverage maps showing current and future coverage, Mobile Broadband service plans, and the latest access devices, can be found at
http://powervision.sprint.com/mobilebroadband/.

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Customers purchasing the BlackBerry 8703e from Sprint as a replacement for an existing mobile phone are encouraged to donate their current phone to Sprint Project Connect. Donated phones, regardless of make, model or service provider, will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner or refurbished and resold with proceeds benefiting K-12 education. More information, including a prepaid mailing label, can be found at
www.sprint.com/projectconnect.

Sprint Power Vision Network

Sprint operates the nation’s largest mobile broadband network today, reaching over 157 million people, and continues to expand its high-speed network, which is expected to reach 200 million people in the U.S. (both EV-DO Revisions 0 and A) in 220 major metropolitan areas by the end of 2006.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of communications services bringing mobility to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit
www.sprint.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, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, 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.

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(1) Within EV-DO data wireless service coverage area only. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design. Backward-compatible with 1xRTT.

(2) Actual speeds and coverage may vary.

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 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. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.

BlackBerryÃ’ 8703eTM Powered by Sprint

BASICS:

· Form factor: Sleek, lightweight form factor

· Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.7 x 0.8 Weight: 4.7 ounces

· Memory: 64 MB of RAM

· Digital Dual-band: CDMA (1900mHz and 800 MHz)

· Data: Sprint EV-DO and 1XRTT CDMA

· GPS: built in capability

· Web Browser: BlackBerry v4.1

· Battery Specifications: Standard Lithium Ion battery

· Talk time: Up to 3.3 hours continuous digital talk time

FEATURES:

· Sprint Mobile Broadband Enabled: High-speed data services operate on the Sprint Power VisionSM Network – the nation’s largest mobile broadband network. The BlackBerry 8703e seamlessly operates on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network and the Sprint Power Vision Network.

· BlackBerry “Push” Technology: Receive email and data automatically sent to your handset.

· Email: Supports up to 10 business and personal email accounts.

· Phone as Modem: Take advantage of Sprint Mobile Broadband on your laptop by using the handset as a wireless modem (USB cable included).

· GPS capability: Whether you need turn-by-turn driving directions or a smarter way to manage your mobile travel needs, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) solutions can help get it done. GPS location-based safety services like Telenav delivers audible turn-by-turn driving directions to any address, anywhere on the Sprint Nationwide Network.

· Built-in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology: Bluetooth allows fast, secure transmission without cables or wires, even though the two devices are not in line-of-sight. Bluetooth wireless accessories sold separately. NOTE: This device does not support Bluetooth Dial-Up-Networking.

· Integrated Attachment Viewing: Download and view Word and Excel compatible files; rehearse PowerPoint presentations anywhere; consult important PDFs on the go.

· Configurable Backlight: Configure the display for any setting, light or dark.

· Productivity Tools: View and update your calendar, schedule appointments, check your task list and more while you’re on the go. Also includes a calculator, alarm clock and memo pad.

· Full-Featured Phone: including dedicated “send,” “end,” and “mute” keys, plus user definable convenience keys, a built-in speakerphone, Bluetooth capability for wireless headsets and car kits, and 24 built-in ring tones.

· Built-In speakerphone: Hands-free operation made easy

· TTY Compatible: This phone connects to a TTY device, allowing anyone who is hearing impaired the ability to communicate.

· Downloadable Applications: Easy access to third-party software titles developed for BlackBerry on the Sprint PCS Software Store at http://softwarestore.sprint.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Jackie Bostick | Sprint
Communications Manager
6220 Sprint Parkway | KSOPHD0302-3B854 | Overland Park, KS 66251
Email: jackie.a.bostick {at} sprint(.)com | Office: (913) 794-3045 | PCS: (913) 579-4067