StarHub and Research In Motion Ink Deal to Bring Wireless Data and Voice Platform to Singapore
- StarHub First to deliver Blackberry to corporate customers in Singapore -
Singapore, 29 January 2003 - StarHub and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) announced an agreement to provide the BlackBerry (TM) wireless data and voice platform to corporate customers in Singapore. StarHub will be the first network operator in Singapore to deliver this award-winning wireless technology platform to its corporate customers.
The Java-based BlackBerry wireless platform will allow StarHub's corporate users to manage their important communications and Personal Information Management (PIM) tools through the use of a BlackBerry Wireless Handheld (TM) with integrated email, phone, SMS (Short Message Service), web browser and organizer applications. The BlackBerry handheld will operate on StarHub's GSM/GPRS network.
The highly secure mobile email and data solution supports Microsoft (R) Exchange and IBM Lotus (R) Domino (TM) environments allowing integration with the user's existing email address and mailbox. Emails and calendar appointments are "pushed" directly to and from the industry-proven handheld. The handheld features a patented, built-in keyboard that makes it extremely easy to type using two thumbs. The "always-on" data and email connectivity is provided via StarHub's GSM/GPRS network.
"StarHub is pleased to be the first operator in Singapore to offer this wireless solution. We are committed to offering secure, innovative, easy-to-use wireless solutions to our customers," said Mr Chan Kin Hung, Senior Vice President, StarHub Mobile. "In the last year or so, we have partnered with big industry names to provide innovative and proven corporate solutions for our business customers. Now, we have done it again by offering another innovative and proven solution by RIM!"
"BlackBerry is the first wireless solution that integrates data and voice services while properly addressing the needs of both end users and IT departments. It is widely adopted by U.S. Fortune 500 companies, government organizations and banks. We believe the solution will be well received by our customers as it provides always-on, secure and integrated access to data and voice services on our high-speed GSM/GPRS network," added Mr Chan.
"We are pleased to work with a leading service provider like StarHub to deliver the BlackBerry wireless platform to corporate customers in Singapore for the first time," said Mr Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry platform has already been implemented by thousands of organizations around the world and it provides a consistent user experience through support for open industry standards such as GPRS and Java. The popularity and success of BlackBerry with corporate customers has certainly been aided by its unique and secure architecture and its ability to deliver a strong return on investment through lowered costs and improved workflow for mobile employees."
The BlackBerry solution incorporates advanced wireless handhelds, software and airtime. The Java-based BlackBerry 6720 Wireless Handheld (TM) features built-in email, phone, SMS, browser and organizer applications. BlackBerry Enterprise Server software enables easy configuration and management as well as back-end integration with corporate systems and end-to-end security. The StarHub GSM/GPRS network allows "always-on" connectivity for accessing data easily and quickly, and also provides high-quality voice services on the same network.
StarHub aims to conduct trials for its corporate customers next month. Pricing will be announced at a later time. Further details of the supply agreement for BlackBerry handhelds with associated software and service were not disclosed.
For more information, corporate customers can write to blackberry@starhub.com.
