Press Release

May 4, 2000

Microcell and Research In Motion Announce Joint Trials for Revolutionary High-Speed Wireless Data Applications

GPRS technology initiative to enable advanced wireless data solutions

Toronto, Ontario - Microcell Connexions Inc. and Research In Motion Limited (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM) today announced their intent to proceed with trials to jointly test high-speed mobile data services that are based on General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) wireless technology and incorporate Research In Motion's "Always On, Always Connected™" features.

GPRS is an exciting new wireless technology standard which is expected to profoundly alter and improve the data services that can be added to Microcell's GSM-based personal communications services network. An over-the-air system for transmitting data on GSM networks, GPRS technology converts wireless data into standard Internet packets, enabling interoperability between the Internet and the GSM network. It is expected to enable data speeds up to ten times as fast as current PCS networks, and three times as fast as wireline telephone networks.

The GPRS method of transporting data optimizes network capacity by using bandwidth only when it is needed. In addition, several data transmissions from different users can share the same channel. The GPRS technology standard also supports fast point-to-point communication through wireless handsets with long battery life designed to enable an "always on" Internet connection. The end result is next-generation technology that will allow end-users to cost-effectively remain constantly connected and send and receive data much faster.

Microcell Connexions and RIM will conduct live technical trials this year, using specially equipped GSM sites established by Microcell in Waterloo, Ontario.

"We're very excited to participate in GPRS trials with an industry innovator like Research In Motion, which has already established itself as a premier provider of wireless data products and solutions through its revolutionary BlackBerry wireless email solution. The trials with RIM are a natural for Microcell, as our company progresses to offering pervasive higher-speed data services," said Rajiv Pancholy, President and Chief Operating Officer, Microcell Connexions. "The high data speeds of GPRS allow for business-to-business and business-to-consumer Internet applications to go wireless and be there when and where you need them. That means you can access files, faxes, email, the Internet and other data immediately--wherever you are. That can help make users more competitive and can offer them a more flexible lifestyle."

"And that's just the start," Mr. Pancholy added. "The applications will have global reach as GSM operators in North America and around the globe deploy GPRS on their own GSM networks."

"Microcell's vision for new wireless data solutions is demonstrated by its commitment to deploy GPRS and become one of the first to conduct third-generation wireless networking technology trials," noted Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of Research In Motion. "Microcell's new GPRS network will provide Canadian GSM subscribers access to a broad range of new mobile data services with "Always On, Always Connected" operation, including messaging, high-speed mobile Internet and access to Java-based applications."

The joint trial will allow GPRS technology to be tested in a real-world setting. Microcell Connexions and RIM will evaluate a number of elements of GPRS, including the performance of GPRS equipment, the behaviour of GPRS on Microcell's GSM network, the data speeds that can be supported, and the robustness of the applications under live conditions.

Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers in North America and around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Inter@ctive™ Pager product line, the BlackBerry™ wireless email solution, wireless personal computer card adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM).

Microcell Connexions is a dynamic wireless access provider in Canada, building network services and providing innovative business solutions in wireless voice and data communications. Microcell Connexions offers unbundled and unbranded airtime and wireless services to businesses who then brand and market these offerings as their own. These service delivery partners include Microcell Solutions Inc., Connectel Solutions Inc., Cityfone Telecommunications Inc., Norigen Communications Inc., Universal Paging Telecommunications and Unique Wireless Applications Inc. Microcell Connexions also partners with third-party developers and manufacturers to enhance their wireless service and product offering with innovative voice and data applications.

A subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., Microcell Connexions was awarded a 30 MHz licence in December 1995 by Industry Canada to operate a cross-Canada PCS network at 1.9 GHz. Microcell Connexions' head office is located at 20 Bay Street in Toronto.

Microcell Telecommunications Inc. (TSE: MTI.B; Nasdaq: MICT) has been a public company since October 1997, and is a member of the TSE 300, TSE 200, and S&P/TSE Canadian Mid Cap indices. The Company's head office is located in Montreal. It currently employs more than 2,400 people across Canada.

Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, the RIM Wireless Handheld family of marks, BlackBerry, and `Always On, Always Connected' are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 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. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, risks related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.