Press Release

October 18, 2000

Research In Motion Introduces Palm-Sized Wireless Handheld For Bell Mobility's Wireless Data Network In Canada

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

Waterloo, Ontario - Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, today announced the new RIM 857 Wireless Handheld™. The RIM 857™ is available in Canada through Bell Mobility, Canada's leading wireless Internet company; and it operates on Bell Mobility's ARDIS wireless data network. RIM also announced it has signed a new supply agreement with Bell Mobility for both RIM 850™ and RIM 857™ Wireless Handhelds.

"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 Bell Mobility'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."

"Bell Mobility is committed to providing our customers with leading products for the wireless Internet," said Charlotte Burke, Vice President Services Development at Bell Mobility. "The new RIM 857 Wireless Handheld, together with Bell Mobility's wireless network and services, will allow businesses to stay connected like never before. Adding this new product to our portfolio is part of Bell Mobility's vision of providing wireless access to data on multiple devices."

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 Bell Mobility's 800 MHz ARDIS wireless data network.

Key features include:

  • Integrated wireless email - support for RIM's BlackBerry™ wireless email solution.
  • 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 tools such as Neomar's WAP-based microbrowser and Bell Mobility's Mobile Browser™ service.
  • 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 oz).
  • 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.

About Bell Mobility

The Bell Mobility Inc. family of companies provides a complete range of wireless communications solutions - cellular, paging, data, PCS and airline passenger communications services - to 2.7 million Canadian customers. Bell Mobility Radio provides two-way voice and wireless data services to public safety and emergency services agencies. Bell Mobility Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bell Canada. For more information on Bell Mobility, visit the website at http://www.bellmobility.ca.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion 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.