Press Release

October 17, 2000

Research In Motion Introduces Palm-Sized Wireless Handheld For Motient's Nationwide Wireless Network

RIM 857 Wireless Handheld supports mobile access to email, organizer, paging, Internet and intranet applications

Waterloo, Ontario - earch In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, today announced the new RIM 857 Wireless Handheld. RIM's new handheld, which has already received regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), operates on Motient Corporation's (Nasdaq: MTNT) nationwide wireless data network in the United States. RIM also announced an agreement to supply 25,000 RIM 857 Wireless Handhelds™ and 25,000 RIM 850 Wireless Handhelds™ to Motient within the next eight months.

"The RIM 857 has been purposefully designed to optimize the wireless email experience," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion. "Over ten years of focused engineering has allowed RIM to deliver all the benefits of wireless connectivity without the extra bulk or compromise. The RIM 857 remains on and connected to Motient's wireless data network without the need for any external attachments, cables or antennas. RIM's wireless technology is completely embedded within a sleek and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand."

"The RIM 857 provides us the opportunity to add another highly reliable handheld device to our nationwide wireless data network," said Walter V. Purnell, Jr., President and CEO of Motient Corporation. "The initial reaction to this enlarged format handheld is proving to be very positive and orders from our customers are already being placed."

The new RIM 857 Wireless Handheld delivers RIM's award-winning wireless technology in a sleek, palm-sized device with a large, crisp display. The RIM 857 operates on Motient's 800 MHz wireless data network.

Key features include:

• Integrated wireless email - support for the BlackBerry™ wireless email solution and the eLink^SM wireless email service.
• Full-featured, connected organizer - includes calendar, address book, task list, memo pad, calculator and alarm; synchronizes with PC using docking cradle and Puma Technology's award-winning Intellisync™ software.
• Wireless Internet/intranet - access to information on the Web and corporate intranets using microbrowser technology and portal services from partners such as GoAmerica, Neomar, Novarra and other content providers.
• Industry-leading performance - with 32-bit Intel 386 processor, 5 MB flash memory plus 512 KB SRAM, embedded wireless modem, optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, large backlit screen (user selectable 16 or 20 line display), multiple notification alerts (tone, vibrate, on-screen and/or LED indicator), internal rechargeable Lithium battery, docking/charging cradle, intuitive interface and integrated email/organizer software.
• Slim mobile design - extremely compact (4.6" x 3.1" x 0.70") and lightweight (less than 5.3 ounces).
• 'Always On, Always Connected™' - designed to operate 24 hours per day while remaining connected to the wireless network to allow easy notification of incoming email and other important information such as paging and stock alerts.

The RIM 857 is available directly from Motient as well as select distribution partners.

About Motient

Motient (www.motient.com) owns and operates an integrated terrestrial/satellite network and provides a wide range of two-way mobile and Internet communications services principally to business-to-business customers and enterprises. The company provides eLink^SM and BlackBerry™ two-way wireless email service to customers accessing email through corporate servers, Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Mail Service Provider (MSP) accounts, and paging network suppliers. Motient serves a variety of markets including mobile professionals, telemetry, transportation, field service, and nationwide voice dispatch offering coverage to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and hundreds of miles of U. S. coastal waters.

About Research In Motion

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 around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Wireless Handheld™ 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 operates offices in Canada, the United States and England. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.net. Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net.

Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, the RIM Wireless Handheld family of marks, BlackBerry, the BlackBerry logo, the "envelope in motion" symbol 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.