Targeted Blackberry Wireless E-Mail Solution

December 5, 2000

ATLANTA, Dec 5, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) — EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK), the nation's second largest Internet service provider, today announced its launch of the BlackBerry(TM) wireless email solution utilizing two popular, wearable, two-way wireless handhelds developed by Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM) (TSE:RIM).

The new product offering gives Internet users unlimited mobile access to their EarthLink e-mail along with the address book, task list and calendar functions that have contributed to the success of the BlackBerry solution — especially on-the-go professionals.

Today's announcement coincides with the introduction of the EarthLink Everywhere initiative, the national ISP's commitment to extend its award-winning service beyond the personal computer. Under the direction of EarthLink Executive Vice President Lance Weatherby, EarthLink Everywhere is focused on enabling subscribers to access the Internet no matter where they are — through both wired and wireless devices and appliances.

EarthLink Everywhere serves as EarthLink's new technology "incubator," researching and selecting the most promising new technologies, and establishing core groups dedicated to bringing those access technologies to market.

"As the Internet evolves from the traditional desktop PC to mobile devices and appliances for the home and office, it's crucial that EarthLink's award-winning Internet service be available across all platforms and accessible from anywhere at anytime," said Lance Weatherby.

"The BlackBerry wireless e-mail solution is a great service to kick off our EarthLink Everywhere initiative, with our own subscriber tests demonstrating the demand for services that allow people to access their EarthLink e-mail everywhere they go."

"As one of the world's leading Internet service providers, EarthLink is already helping millions of individuals and businesses communicate every day. BlackBerry helps extend the core benefits of EarthLink's e-mail services and allow customers to freely communicate and stay connected wherever they go," said Don Morrison, Research In Motion's chief operating officer.

"The combination of EarthLink's award-winning service and support with the award-winning BlackBerry wireless e-mail solution offers exceptional value to EarthLink subscribers."

In a recent survey conducted by the company, an overwhelming number of EarthLink subscribers indicated that wireless and non-PC Internet access options are of increasing importance to them.

"As the Internet becomes more ubiquitous, alternative access methods will be increasingly important to our `Net-savvy subscriber base," Weatherby said. "To that end, we are committed to providing our subscribers with the type of service they expect from EarthLink on the device of their choosing."

About Wireless E-Mail From EarthLink, Featuring BlackBerry

The BlackBerry solution provides a mobile extension of the customer's existing EarthLink mailbox, allowing the subscriber to read, forward, file, reply to and originate messages, while keeping a copy of all messages on their desktop e-mail client. RIM's wireless handhelds feature optimized displays, fully functioning keyboards and thumb-operated trackwheels, making them easier to use.

Especially popular with business users on the go, the handhelds offer personal organizers with fully synchronized access to calendars, address books and task lists. EarthLink subscribers will have the option of selecting either the pager-sized RIM 950 Wireless Handheld(TM) ($399) or the palm-sized RIM 957 Wireless Handheld(TM) ($499). Unit prices include shipping and handling.

BlackBerry wireless e-mail costs $39.95 per month for EarthLink subscribers and $49.95 for non-subscribers, which includes unlimited e-mail messaging. Complete information regarding the service is available on the company's Web site www.earthlink.net/wireless or by calling 1-888-304-2773.

About EarthLink

The No. 1 Provider of the Real Internet(TM), EarthLink brings the magic of the Internet to more than 4.6 million subscribers every day. With headquarters in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities internationally from more than 5,000 points of presence.

EarthLink is committed to doing an exceptional job of pleasing its customers, shareholders and the community by following the company's Core Values and Beliefs. Information about EarthLink and its services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.

EarthLink, EarthLink Everywhere and the EarthLink logo are trademarks of EarthLink, Inc. Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM Wireless Handheld family of marks, BlackBerry and the BlackBerry logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

CONTACT: EarthLink, Pasadena, Calif.

Arley Baker, 626/351-7313,

arleyb@corp.earthlink.net, or Brodeur Worldwide for RIM, Rebecca Winter, 203/399-8241, rwinter@brodeur.com or Manning Selvage & Lee, Julie Mathis, 323/866-6039, jmathis@mslpr.com URL: http://www.businesswire.com Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page.