Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM), today introduced the BlackBerry 7130e, the first BlackBerry handset that takes advantage of Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service on the company's Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network. Coupled with Verizon Wireless' new BroadbandAccess Connect pricing, the BlackBerry 7130e delivers all the popular email and data capabilities available with the BlackBerry wireless platform and can also serve as a modem for customers who want to use the device to connect their laptop with Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service.

RIM BlackBerry 7130e More Photos View Specs

With BroadbandAccess Connect, customers can use their BlackBerry 7130e as a modem for downloading large documents to a laptop at speeds averaging 400 to 700 kbps on Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service that covers more than 140 million Americans in 171 major metropolitan markets. BroadbandAccess Connect is available for $15 with any Verizon Wireless BlackBerry voice and unlimited data plan beginning at $79.99; or $30 with the purchase of a BlackBerry data-only plan for $49.99.

"BroadbandAccess is rapidly becoming the standard for wireless connectivity in the business world," said Bill Stone, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless. "BroadbandAccess Connect on the new BlackBerry 7130e introduces another option for customers who view office mobility and speed as a competitive advantage in their business."

"The BlackBerry 7130e together with Verizon Wireless' fast EV-DO network is a powerful tool for mobile professionals who want the power and productivity benefits of BlackBerry in a sophisticated mobile phone design," said Don Morrison, chief operating officer at Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry 7130e is an excellent choice for customers looking to upgrade their existing phone with a more powerful handset that combines a full featured phone with industry-leading wireless email and data applications."

The new BlackBerry 7130e combines comprehensive phone functionality with the renowned BlackBerry platform features, including support for 'push-based' wireless email, Web browser, text messaging, personal organizer and other corporate data applications. Seamlessly operating on Verizon Wireless' NationalAccess 1XRTT and BroadbandAccess EV-DO network technologies, the sleek and stylish BlackBerry 7130e with chrome accents delivers enhanced usability as well as fast Web and data handling in conjunction with Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service on the high speed EV-DO network.

The BlackBerry 7130e handset offers top-of-the-line features such as a large, bright, high resolution LCD screen that has been optimized for indoor and outdoor viewing, Bluetooth support for certain profiles, 64MB of flash memory, dedicated "send" and "end" phone keys, an intuitive user interface as well as excellent battery life.

The BlackBerry 7130e also features SureType keyboard technology from RIM. SureType effectively converges a wireless device keypad and a QWERTY keyboard to fit elegantly within the size of a traditional wireless phone form factor. Through an integrated keyboard and software system, SureType provides users with an instinctively familiar look and feel and enables them to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server software tightly integrates with Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to email and other corporate data. For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service allows users to access up to ten corporate and/or personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

- RIM BlackBerry 7130e Specs