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Jan 6 2005

Following BT's recent announcement of plans to sell the BlackBerry(R) wireless solution (including the BlackBerry 7230(TM) and BlackBerry 7730(TM)) as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), BT has now also reached agreement with Siemens and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM) (TSX:RIM) to offer the Siemens SK65 handset with BlackBerry Built-In(TM) technology. The Siemens SK65 is the first mobile phone to offer BlackBerry Email(TM), BlackBerry Calendar(TM) and BlackBerry Browser(TM) applications through RIM's BlackBerry Built-In(TM) licensing program.

With BlackBerry Built-In(TM) technology, BT Mobile customers can benefit from 'always on', push-based access to their calendar and inbox via the Siemens SK65. Emails received on their desktop computer are automatically sent to their mobile phone, which is synchronized wirelessly with the office system. The Siemens SK65 has a large color screen and incorporates a full sized keyboard, revealed by twisting open the phone, so people can write emails and documents quickly and easily while on the move.

Larry Conlee, Chief Operating Officer at RIM, said: "The SK65 incorporates BlackBerry email, calendar and browser applications with support for push-based BlackBerry services. We are pleased to see BT expand its portfolio to include the Siemens SK65 with BlackBerry Built-In(TM)."

Steve Andrews, BT Group chief of mobility and convergence, said: "This deal with RIM to offer BlackBerry Built-In(TM) technology epitomizes the type of device combining voice and data which we believe will be in demand by our increasingly mobile business customers. BT is working towards offering the world's first, fully-converged fixed-mobile service which will provide our customers with access to all their applications and information, on their choice of device, utilizing the best network available."

Steven Evans, chief executive of BT Mobile, said: "It's important we work with partners who share our vision and have a range of devices that suit the business lifestyles of all our customers, which is why we have chosen Siemens as a key provider. Our commitment to bringing innovative new products to market is highlighted with the launch of the SK65 which will allow our customers to benefit from the convenience of accessing voice and data services on one mobile handset."

Jonathan Bate, Vice President, Siemens Communications North Europe, said: "We're delighted to be selected as a leading supplier of devices for the business market. We truly believe that the market is heading towards a converged future, which reflects our development of devices that appeal in particular to business people on the move, wherever they are. The SK65 is a perfect device for BT's strong base of corporate customers. The innovative technology, combined with the design of the handset, makes it the perfect solution for today's mobile workforce."

The SK65 has 64MB internal memory for managing large amounts of data and up to 30MB free for storing personal information such as emails and Java(TM) applications. Perfect for business travelers, the tri-band functionality means customers can use it almost anywhere in the world and its language function provides a personal phrasebook. The SK65 is also compatible with Siemens' new HKW-600 Bluetooth car kit, which links to mobile phones via Bluetooth, meaning there is no need to worry about connection cables between your handset and the car kit.

About BT Group plc

BT Group plc is the holding company for an integrated group of communications businesses and is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.