Press Release

December 5, 2001

TIM and Research In Motion Announce Plans to Introduce the GPRS-based BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution to the Italian Market

Toronto, ON - TIM (Telecom Italia Group), the leading Italian mobile communications company and Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM) announced today that they will work together to introduce the BlackBerry™ wireless email solution to enterprise customers in the Italian market.

TIM launched its 'GPRS Data On' services at the beginning of 2001 and several major companies in Italy have already adopted this service. Both TIM and RIM recently announced plans to work together with DADA's Wireless Solutions subsidiary for system integration and software management. These agreements will enable TIM to further enhance its GPRS offering to corporate customers.

BlackBerry is the first completely integrated wireless email solution for mobile professionals. The combination of unique 'push' technology, single-mailbox integration with the corporate email system, end-to-end security and the TIM GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network means that BlackBerry users are 'always on' and always connected to their business email and that emails are received automatically without the need to dial in.

This new agreement will confirm TIM's position as a technological and market leader in the provision of services that enable a strong return on investment through cost savings and productivity enhancements.

Roberto Pellegrini, TIM Corporate & SME Division Senior Vice President, said: "TIM is by far the preferred choice in the Italian Corporate Market, providing voice, innovative solutions based on a SIM Application Toolkit, WAP connection, GPRS connectivity, the recently announced M-Services, location based applications, and a wide range of vertical solutions. Through this further innovation, TIM enriches its offering in the rapidly emerging mobile office sector."

Charles Meyer, Director and Vice President, Europe, Research In Motion, said: "Earlier this year, RIM announced a collaboration with DADA. We are delighted to now extend the partnership to TIM, the largest mobile operator in Italy. Through our relationships with TIM and DADA, we look forward to bringing the many business benefits of BlackBerry to the Italian market."

The BlackBerry wireless email solution comprises Java-based wireless handhelds, desktop tools, server software and end-to-end security on GPRS networks.

Key Features of the BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution:

• Advanced wireless handheld - slim and lightweight with a keyboard and trackwheel; embedded wireless modem (no external antenna or attachments needed), plus integrated email and organizer software.
• Single mailbox integration with corporate email systems allows users to keep their existing email address and manage one single mailbox.
• Powerful email features - read, originate, forward, reply, delete or file messages using the wireless handheld (inbox and folders are synchronized between the wireless handheld and PC); user-selectable message filters allow user to control email flow.
• Full-featured connected organizer - includes calendar, address book, task list, memo pad, calculator and alarm; synchronizes with PC.
• Support for Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), enables a wide range of software application development based on open standards.
• '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; uses 'push model' of email delivery; email automatically finds the user; no dialling-in; no initiating connections; no effort required.
• End-to-end security - email is encrypted using Triple DES and remains encrypted at all points between the user's email account (behind the corporate firewall) and the user's wireless handheld; meets strict corporate security guidelines for company-confidential information.
• BlackBerry Enterprise Server - enterprise server software provides centralized management and control with a scalable architecture.
• End-to-end solution - customers receive easy-to-use wireless handhelds, productive desktop utilities, innovative server software and nationwide airtime on a leading network in one completely integrated solution.

Launched in North America in 1999, BlackBerry is now being introduced across Europe on emerging General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks.

www.blackberry.net

About TIM (Telecom Italia Group)

Being at the forefront of new technological standards, TIM consolidates its role as a future player in a global context. With 23.2 million customers in Italy and 52.8 million worldwide (including the Telecom Italia Group mobile lines) TIM is among the leading GSM operators in the world. GPRS services represent the breakthrough in the evolution of second (GSM) to third (UMTS) generation mobiles and are expected to gain a firmer foothold by the end of the year.

About DADA

DADA, an independent Internet Company quoted on the New Market of the Italian Stock Exchange (Borsa Italiana SpA; DA.MI) since last June, supplies high value added network services and solutions both for business clients and consumer users. With a portfolio of more than 30,000 company clients, DADA operates through its four separate and highly synergetic Business Units in the areas of community management (Application Portal), the offer of e-business solutions, the supply of hosting/housing services and domain registration (Aziende.it) and Wireless Solutions.

Established in Bologna in March 2000, Wireless Solutions SpA is one of the leading WASPs (Wireless Application Service Provider) in Europe and is the point of reference in the Italian market for the development and supply of Internet services integrated with mobile phone technology such as WAP, SMS, GPRS and UMTS. Independent Internet Company DADA, listed on the New Market, achieved control of Wireless Solutions on February 2001.

About RIM

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, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario RIM operates offices in Canada, the United States, England, France and Germany. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM).

Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, BlackBerry Wireless Handheld, BlackBerry Enterprise Edition, BlackBerry, the BlackBerry logo and 'Always On, Always Connected' are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion, RIM and 'Always On, Always Connected' 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, 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.