AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX:
RIM) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry(R) Pearl(TM) 8110
smartphone, which includes built-in global positioning system (GPS) support
for location-based applications and services. Combined with navigation and
mapping applications such as AT&T Navigator, the handset provides
turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions with colorful 3-D moving maps
that can be used in vehicles or while walking. AT&T Navigator also alerts
users through voice and on-screen prompts to traffic slowdowns and
incidents along their programmed travel route, and it provides customers
with the option to choose an alternative route.
"The BlackBerry Pearl 8110's stylish design and consumer features blend
well with the productivity features for managing your day while away from
home or the office," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Business
Voice/Data and Wireless Products, for AT&T's wireless unit. "Beyond the
BlackBerry Pearl 8110's powerful e-mail and messaging capabilities, which
keep users on track with important information while mobile, its new
built-in GPS capabilities -- coupled with AT&T Navigator -- will keep
customers literally on track when they are getting from Point A to Point
B."
The small and stylish BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from AT&T
measures just 4.2 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.5 inches, weighs approximately
3.2 ounces and is available in a glossy titanium or rich red finish. It
features the popular BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities,
including RIM's SureType(R) QWERTY keyboard system for easy typing and
phone dialing -- enhanced with word completion and a spell-checker with a
user-customized dictionary. The smartphone features a display that supports
more than 65,000 colors and automatically adjusts brightness based on
surrounding light levels. The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also is the first
BlackBerry that enables users to wirelessly download AT&T's popular -- and
free -- YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile application directly from an icon on the
smartphone. Customers can easily find and map local businesses, save
favorite listings and get step-by-step directions to or from any location.
"The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone maintains the exceptional styling
and sleek form factor of the BlackBerry Pearl franchise," said Mark
Guibert, vice president, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "It
expands functionality with richer multimedia capabilities and built-in GPS
while continuing to deliver the full power of the BlackBerry platform. With
value-added services, like AT&T Navigator, AT&T Mobile Music and AT&T's
global roaming, the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 is an ideal choice for customers
who want a new phone that can serve both business and personal needs."
The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also features impressive multimedia
capabilities, including an advanced media player that is ideal for users
who want easy access to music and videos while on the go. It also includes
a 2-megapixel camera that supports video recording(1), a 3.5-mm stereo
headset jack, externally accessible microSD(TM)/SDHC memory slot for
additional storage, high speed USB and Bluetooth(R) 2.0 with support for
headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth accessories.
The global capabilities of the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from
AT&T utilizes AT&T's industry-best domestic and international wide area
wireless data coverage. The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 is powered by AT&T's
nationwide(2) EDGE network -- the largest high speed national wireless data
network in the U.S. -- with availability in more than 13,000 cities and
towns and along almost 40,000 miles of major highways. The BlackBerry Pearl
8110 can also keep users who are abroad connected with wireless e-mail,
Internet access and other mobile applications through data services in more
countries than any other U.S. carrier, with data-roaming in more than 145
countries. Customers can also use the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 to make or
receive voice calls in more than 200 countries.
Pricing and Availability
The new BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from AT&T is available now at
AT&T retail stores nationwide, via http://www.att.com and through AT&T's
business-to-business sales teams for as low as $149.99, with a two-year
contract, unlimited data plan and $39.99 voice plan. Customers who want
personal e-mail access and Web browsing with BlackBerry(R) Internet Service
can choose the BlackBerry Personal Unlimited data plan for as low as $30 a
month with a qualified voice contract. Unlimited corporate e-mail and data
access via BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server or BlackBerry(R) Professional
Software are available for as low as $45 a month when a qualified voice
plan is also chosen. Customers who travel overseas can select the
BlackBerry International Unlimited data plan for as low as $65 a month with
a qualified voice plan. AT&T Navigator requires a separate subscription of
$9.99 a month.
The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also supports AT&T Mobile Music subscription
services and AT&T unlimited Push To Talk for walkie-talkie-like
communications; both services are an additional $9.99 a month with a
qualifying voice plan. Small business customers also can couple their
BlackBerry data plans with AT&T's new BusinessTalk voice plans, which start
at $60 a month for five users and 700 Anytime Minutes and can be expanded
for $9.99 a line to accommodate up to 40 users and 20,000 Anytime Minutes.
When combined with BlackBerry Professional Software, BusinessTalk provides
small businesses with a complete voice and data solution. Companies may
also choose BusinessTalk with either unlimited Mobile to Mobile or Push To
Talk features.
(1) Video recording requires a microSD/SDHC storage card, sold separately.
(2) Not available in all areas
AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its
subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of
AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their
offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications
services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and
voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory
publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and
YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators
in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen
integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings.
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 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 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).
SOURCE AT&T Inc.