News
Issue #2002 - 40 (October 2002)
(Updated Oct. 22, 2002)

DEVICES 

RIM Places a Stake with Wireless Carriers With its New 6710

In a key shift in strategy towards offering carrier- specific devices, Research in Motion (RIM) just announced the shipment of the 6710 at the CTIA Wireless IT and Internet trade show in Las Vegas. The 6710, a BlackBerry device that runs on the GPRS (general packet radio service) 2.5G network supports both voice and data. The BlackBerry 6710 features include:

• Integrated speaker/microphone
• World band handheld operating on 900/1900 MHz networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific
• Integrated wireless services: email, phone, Internet and two-way text messaging 
• Removable/rechargeable Lithium battery with approximately 4 hours of talk time, 10 days of standby time and 3 to 4 days of voice/data usage time 
• 1 MB SRAM, 8MB Flash
• Backlit keyboard and screen
• Plug-in SIM card
• Cradle and travel charger for synchronization and recharging
• Headset with answer/hang-up button

The BlackBerry 6710 follows the 5810, a data-only GPRS e-mail pager that is shipping now, and is being rolled out as a combined voice-data handheld for several different wireless networks. Carriers are expected to carry out provisioning and billing services as well through this offering. Currently, T-mobile and AT&T Wireless Services plan to offer the 6710 voice-data device. Prices and availability for the 6710 will vary depending on the country and the wireless carrier, RIM said.

In moving away from direct offerings to a more carrier-centric approach, RIM is betting its stakes that wireless data services will bring in a significant return in investment. This is seen as critical to its success in its foray into the wireless enterprise market. Additionally, RIM along with Hewlett-Packard announced plans to enable BlackBerry devices to send e-mail and attachments to corporate network printers.

Source: eWeek, Rim website

For more information: www.blackbery.net and www.eWeek.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: This will give the most popular e-mail device from Canada a voice in Europe. We expect CDMA support out of RIM soon. RIM has to work harder at becoming an enterprise business solution provider by enhancing its e-mail server into a general-purpose mobile server. That will take a major effort. We think Balsillie and Lazaridis team can do it.  

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.