Vodafone Launch Ireland's First 3G UMTS-enabled BlackBerry Handset

Europe : Vodafone Ireland and Research In Motion introduced the BlackBerry 8707v for business and individual customers in Ireland. With the launch of the BlackBerry 8707v, mobile workers will continue to take advantage of proven BlackBerry functionality, leveraging Vodafone's UMTS network.

Like the range of popular BlackBerry devices already available to Vodafone Ireland's customers, the BlackBerry 8707v delivers support for push-based e-mail, phone, text messaging, Internet, organizer and corporate data applications. The BlackBerry 8707v can also be used as a tethered modem to enable users to access the Internet from their laptop computer. An additional advantage of the new handset is its ability to send and receive e-mail, or use other mobile applications, while simultaneously speaking on the phone.

"BlackBerry from Vodafone has become hugely successful in Ireland, helping mobile staff to save time and boost efficiency. Likewise, thousands of companies are benefiting from our UMTS network. The BlackBerry 8707v leverages the Vodafone network to provide BlackBerry customers with access to the Internet, e-mail, phone and corporate data applications quickly while out of the office," said Shane Brodbin, BlackBerry Product Manager at Vodafone Ireland. "With these powerful business tools, the new BlackBerry 8707v provides people with multiple ways to quickly and easily stay in touch with colleagues, partners and customers."

"The BlackBerry 8707v is a tool for success in work and life because it optimizes wireless connectivity for its users. In addition to the unmatched experience for integrated email, voice, Internet browsing and other mobile applications, the BlackBerry 8707v is a tethered modem that can connect users' laptops to the Internet on the go," said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President, EMEA at Research In Motion. "We are delighted to bring the BlackBerry 8707v to Vodafone's customers in Ireland."

The BlackBerry 8707v functions on 2100 MHz UMTS networks, and also supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS (quad band) networks, making it the perfect companion for overseas travel(i). It also includes 64 MB flash memory and a full-color QVGA (320 x 240) LCD screen, as well as intelligent light sensing technology to optimize indoor and outdoor viewing. The BlackBerry 8707v also features a full QWERTY keyboard, as well as built-in speakerphone and Bluetooth® functionality for wireless use with headsets and car kits.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server(TM) software tightly integrates with Microsoft Exchange®, IBM® Lotus Domino® and Novell® GroupWise® and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data.

For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service(TM) enables users to manage up to ten corporate and personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

About Vodafone Ireland

Vodafone is Ireland's leading mobile phone operator with a base of over 2.075 million customers and 1,900 employees. Vodafone customers account for 49% of the mobile market in Ireland. On May 11, 2001 the Irish company officially became a subsidiary of the Vodafone Group plc, the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world. The Vodafone Group has equity interests in 27 countries across 5 continents, and partner networks in a further 33 countries, serving more than 170 million proportionate customers worldwide.

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