Vodacom and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) have launched the first prepaid offering for BlackBerry Internet Service in South Africa, affording customers the benefit of being in control of their monthly spend with an unlimited plan, while enjoying the flexibility of a prepaid service option.
The prepaid service option enables customers to purchase a BlackBerry smartphone and pay a fixed monthly subscription 30 days in advance, by purchasing an electronic Vodacom recharge voucher for BlackBerry Internet Service.
The subscription of only R59 per month entitles subscribers to send and receive unlimited e-mail, as well as use data applications like Vodafone SatNav, Yahoo Messenger and Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones, without incurring any additional data charges. Subscribers will also enjoy unlimited Internet browsing from their BlackBerry smartphones*, as well as direct access to Vodafone live, opening a world of information and entertainment services. For example - they can pass the time waiting for their next flight with a game of Texas Hold'em or tackle a brain-teasing puzzle while in line at the coffee shop.
Shameel Joosub, Managing Director of Vodacom South Africa, says: “The Vodacom Prepaid service for BlackBerry smartphones will provide customers with the full benefits of a BlackBerry smartphone without being tied into a contract or having to go through a credit vetting process.
“This is an ideal option for students or small business owners who would like to be able to utilise the unique features of the BlackBerry solution, including unlimited 24/7 access to e-mail, while having complete control over their budgets,” she says.
“The BlackBerry solution is a proven, best-in-class mobility tool that is popular with both business people and consumers around the world,” says Deon Liebenberg, regional director for sub-Saharan Africa at RIM. “We are pleased to be working with Vodacom to extend the reach of the BlackBerry solution to an even wider audience in South Africa.”
For further information, Vodacom customers can call Vodacom's 24-hour data contact centre on 155, free from a Vodacom cellphone, or 082 155 from any other cellphone.
* Some conditions apply; please check with Vodacom.
Editor notes:
To receive unlimited access to e-mail, Internet browsing and other data applications from a BlackBerry smartphone, customers can purchase an electronic Vodacom recharge voucher for BlackBerry smartphones, by:
* Sending an SMS with 'BlackBerry' to 100, or
* Dialling *111# and selecting the “BlackBerry” option, or
* Logging onto www.vodacom4me.co.za from a PC
Share
Vodacom
Vodacom is a Pan-African cellular communications company, providing a world-class GSM service to more than 35.7 million customers in South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho and Mozambique. Vodacom remains the market leader in all the countries where it currently operates, with the exception of Mozambique. Vodacom South Africa launched the first commercial BlackBerry to South Africans on 6 March 2005. Shareholding: Telkom SA 50%, Vodafone Group 50%. Visit: www.vodacom.com
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 e-mail, 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 organisations 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 harbour" 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. RIM 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 US Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.
Editorial contacts