November 18, 2008

Vodafone Australia Announces BlackBerry Storm Pricing

New, unlimited email and Internet caps announced for exclusive BlackBerry Storm as Christmas demand for smartphones heats up

Australia – Vodafone Australia today announces pricing for the new BlackBerry Storm smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM), well ahead of Christmas. Available exclusively through Vodafone, the BlackBerry Storm will be available free on a new range of combined voice and data plans, called Vodafone Internet Caps, offering customers unlimited* BlackBerry email and Internet browsing on a 24-month contract (see table below). The BlackBerry Storm will be available from Monday, December 1.

The BlackBerry Storm smartphone is the perfect choice for both personal users and business customers looking for a state-of-the-art, multimedia device that makes a statement in the office and out on the town. Its unique and innovative SurePress™ touchscreen, which depresses ever so slightly when the screen is pressed, dramatically enhances the touch interface for both typing and navigation and gives users an experience they can actually feel. The stylish smartphone boasts exceptional performance, a stunning display and rich features including 3G (HSPA) network support, GPS, desktop-style web pages, advanced multimedia, a first class phone, camera and robust messaging capabilities – all designed to give users an incredibly fast and powerful mobile experience.

Russell Hewitt, CEO, Vodafone Australia comments: “Today we announce that we’re bringing the BlackBerry Storm to Australia with a sensational $0 offer with unlimited BlackBerry email and Internet usage. The BlackBerry Storm is a cutting edge smartphone purpose built for Vodafone and delivers the renowned functionality of the BlackBerry platform.”

Hewitt continues: “Available exclusively through Vodafone, the BlackBerry Storm features a new ‘clickable’ touchscreen that will redefine expectations on performance from a touchscreen handset and become an instant hit with customers with its sexy design and ease of use.  With the popularity of data-intensive services sky-rocketing, we’re enabling customers to make the most of Vodafone’s 3G network and RIM’s latest technology to enjoy the services they want at a price that is very affordable.”

Dany Bolduc, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Research In Motion comments: “The BlackBerry Storm is a next-generation smartphone designed to meet the communications and multimedia needs of the most demanding customers. The new “clickable” SurePress touch-screen is a remarkable innovation that offers a revolutionary improvement to the touch interface. We are very excited to introduce the first touchscreen BlackBerry smartphone together with Vodafone in Australia.

Bolduc concludes: “With its robust communications capabilities, rich multimedia features and stylish design, the BlackBerry Storm helps customers make the most of their time with a chic and lifestyle-friendly smartphone.”

Customers can pre-register to purchase the BlackBerry Storm smartphone at: www.vodafone.com.au/blackberrystorm. Pre-registered customers will be given the opportunity to purchase the BlackBerry Storm the w/c November 24, online. Customers that pre-register and buy a BlackBerry Storm online will receive a complimentary 8GB memory card.

The BlackBerry Storm will also be available to business customers on Vodafone’s single Business Cap plans that were launched in September, 2008.

Notes to Editors

• Unlimited email covers any webmail accounts supported by the BlackBerry® Internet Service. This includes accounts such as Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail, Pop3/IMAP email accounts and any email account supported by BlackBerry® Enterprise Service.
• Unlimited Internet covers using the Internet via the BlackBerry browser on the device. Video-streaming and downloading files larger than 3MB however, are not covered within the cap.
• *Vodafone’s Fair Use policy applies. Customers can use the Internet using browsers other than the BlackBerry browser, or for video streaming or downloading large files (larger than 3MB) and will be charged $0.50 per MB. Alternatively, customers can purchase an Internet On Your Mobile 100MB data pack for $9.95.
• Services subject to network availability. 3G available in selected metro areas on 3G capable handsets. Customers with 2.5G handsets will only be able to access limited content. See vodafone.com.au/coverage for details.
• The BlackBerry Storm is valued at $899.00 and is locked to the Vodafone network. The smartphone is only available on contract and will not be available to purchase outright from Vodafone.
• BlackBerry Storm imagery is available – please liaise with Pulse Communications to source high-resolution imagery. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access images and video of the BlackBerry Storm smartphone at www.rim.mediaseed.tv)
• Further details and technical specifications can be found at www.vodafone.com.au/blackberrystorm and www.blackberry.com/storm

About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world’s largest mobile telecommunications group, with equity interests in 26 countries and Partner Networks in over 40 additional countries. As of 30 June 2008, Vodafone had 269 million proportionate customers worldwide.

© Vodafone Pty Limited 2008: VODAFONE and the Vodafone logos are trade marks of the Vodafone Group.  Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners.

About 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® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ 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).  For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

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. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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