Optus Introduces New BlackBerry Bold in Australia

Sydney, Australia – Optus and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone is scheduled to be available on the Optus 3G* network on 20 August 2008. Optus’ 3G network will allow customers to experience the full power of the BlackBerry Bold with fast performance for communications and multimedia applications. The BlackBerry Bold is the first BlackBerry® smartphone to support tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks.
Designed to provide a premium mobile experience, the BlackBerry Bold features a stunning LCD colour display and precision keyboard surrounded by a lustrous black exterior with satin chrome finished frame and stylish leatherette backplate, making it one of the most distinctive smartphones available in the world.
In addition to its powerful communications and multimedia features, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone comes with integrated Wi-Fi® and built-in GPS, and it will be supported by a wide range of business and lifestyle applications that can enhance corporate productivity and personal entertainment. Together with its next-generation mobile processor and fast network access, the BlackBerry Bold also offers users a high speed web browsing experience with desktop-style depiction.
“The BlackBerry Bold is the ideal choice for business professionals and entrepreneurs who want a stylish and performance driven smartphone that takes advantage of the flexibility, speed and network coverage available on the Optus 3G network,” Marilyn Conyer, Marketing Director, Optus Business said. “The BlackBerry Bold comes packed with features that allow our customers to experience the very best in mobility when it comes to their business and personal lives.”
Gregory Wade, Regional Vice President of Asia Pacific, Research In Motion, said, “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Optus to bring the world-class BlackBerry Bold smartphone to the Optus 3G network. This breakthrough smartphone abounds with functionality and delivers remarkable performance, providing Optus’ customers with an exciting and powerful mobile experience.”
The BlackBerry Bold can be purchased from Optus for $10 per month over 24 months in conjunction with the BlackBerry $79 Cap plan**. Business customers who would like to pre-register their interest in the BlackBerry Bold can do so via the Optus website www.optusbusiness.com.au/bold from 1 August 2008.
A full list of features for the new BlackBerry Bold is available at: www.BlackBerryBold.com.
*3G services: For coverage details see www.optus.com.au/coverage
**BlackBerry $79 Cap Plan: Minimum total cost for the BlackBerry Bold over 24 months is $2,136. Only available to eligible business customers as defined by Optus connecting to the Optus Mobile Digital service. Cancellation fees apply.
About OptusOptus is an Australian leader in integrated telecommunications, delivering cutting-edge communications, information technology and entertainment services. In 2001 SingTel became the parent company of Optus, paving the way to become a strong and strategic telecommunications player within the Asia-Pacific region.
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’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.
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