MTN Nigeria And RIM Launch BlackBerry Solution; BlackBerry Pearl And BlackBerry 8700g Now Available In Nigeria

2007-04-01 12:30:33 | Viewed 2360 times

MTN Nigeria and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) recently announced the launch of the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution, offering customers the BlackBerry® Pearl™ and BlackBerry® 8700g smartphones for the first time in Nigeria.

MTN Nigeria is initially offering the two new handsets along with the BlackBerry® Enterprise Server software, which tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange, Novell® GroupWise® and IBM Lotus® Domino® and works with existing enterprise systems, to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data. The BlackBerry 8700g features a sleek design, full QWERTY keyboard and provides exceptional performance together with an intuitive user experience. The BlackBerry Pearl, one of the smallest and lightest smartphones in the world, stands out for its elegant looks, camera and multimedia capabilities. 

“The BlackBerry solution is the leading wireless enterprise solution that keeps mobile professionals connected to people and information while on the move. It has a proven platform that provides users with secure connectivity and gives users access to email, phone, SMS, web browsing, organiser and other corporate data applications,” said Mr. Bola Akingbade, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at MTN Nigeria.   

“The BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is used by millions of customers around the world and we are pleased to be working with MTN Nigeria to bring the popular and proven benefits of the platform to their customers in Nigeria.   The BlackBerry solution is great for organizations that strive to help their workers   become more productive, flexible and ultimately more successful in life and work,” said Charmaine Eggberry, Managing Director and Vice President, RIM, EMEA.

More about the BlackBerry Smartphones

In addition to its built-in camera with flash and 5x digital zoom, the BlackBerry Pearl comes with a media player*, stereo headset jack and expandable memory slot so users can enjoy their favorite music and videos on the go. 

The stylish handset also introduces a new trackball navigation system and comes with an enhanced version of RIM’s SureType™ keyboard technology, which merges a full QWERTY layout with a phone keypad to allow a narrower design, yet makes typing messages and dialing phone numbers quick and easy. 

Both the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry 8700 come with bright, high-resolution color displays and feature a light-sensing technology that automatically adjusts the back-lighting to provide optimum viewing in outdoor, indoor and dark environments. The handsets deliver exceptional voice quality and include premium phone features such as smart dialing, conference calling, speed dialing, call forwarding, speakerphone, Bluetooth® to support hands-free use with wireless headsets and car kits, and support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI ring tones.

* Supports MP3 and ACC music files and MPEG4 and H.263 video files.

About MTN

MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group, Africa’s leading cellular telecommunications company. On May 16, 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call following the globally lauded Nigerian GSM auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier in the year. Thereafter the company launched full commercial operations beginning with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

MTN paid $285m for one of four GSM licenses in Nigeria in January 2001. To date, in excess of US$1.8 billion has been invested building mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.

Since launch in August 2001, MTN has steadily deployed its services across Nigeria. It now provides services in 223 cities and towns, more than 10,000 villages and communities and a growing number of highways across the country, spanning the 36 states of the Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Many of these villages and communities are being connected to the world of telecommunications for the first time ever.

The company’s digital microwave transmission backbone, the 3,400 Kilometre Y’elloBahn was commissioned by President Olusegun Obasanjo in January 2003 and is reputed to be the most extensive digital microwave transmission infrastructure in all of Africa. The Y’elloBahn has significantly helped to enhance call quality on MTN network.

The company subsists on the core brand values of leadership, relationship, integrity, innovation and “can-do”. It prides itself on its ability to make the impossible possible, connecting people with friends, family and opportunities.

MTN Nigeria also recently expanded its network capacity to include a new numbering range with the prefix 0806, making MTN the first GSM network in Nigeria to have adopted an additional numbering system, having exhausted its initial subscriber numbering range - 0803.

In its resolve to enhance quality customer service, MTN Nigeria has also introduced a self-help toll-free 181 customer-care line through which subscribers can resolve their frequently asked questions free of charge.

MTN’s overriding mission is to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, helping to unleash Nigeria’s strong developmental potential not only through the provision of world class communications but also through innovative and sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives.

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. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.  

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