Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (ACS) (NASDAQ:ALSK), today announced the launch of three BlackBerry® smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM). ACS, Alaska’s leading integrated telecommunications provider, will offer the BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition, the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8330 and the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8130 smartphones to customers starting on September 15.
With EVDO technology deployed on the state’s only 3G CDMA network, ACS offers customers unparalleled wireless voice quality and data speeds. The combination of BlackBerry smartphones and ACS’ statewide mobile network – the fastest available in Alaska – provides a powerful solution to users juggling multiple demands in their busy professional and personal lives.
“The BlackBerry smartphones we’re offering are fast, functional and efficient for keeping ACS customers connected, whether in downtown Anchorage, on the North Slope, on the Kenai River or traveling outside the state. BlackBerry smartphones are the industry standard when it comes to smartphone technology and we’re excited to make these feature-rich smartphones available to ACS customers,” said Connie Dorman, ACS Director of Marketing.
“We look forward to introducing new users and organizations to the BlackBerry solution as well as adding new users at organizations already using BlackBerry smartphones. Adding additional BlackBerry smartphones to an already existing Blackberry enterprise environment is quick and easy – there’s total interoperability. On the ACS network users will be able to unlock the full potential of their BlackBerry smartphone and related services,” Dorman said.
The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone, BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone, and BlackBerry Pearl 8130 smartphone each offer the full BlackBerry experience including email, browser, text messaging (SMS and MMS), instant messaging, media player and organizer applications, plus built-in GPS, all intended to help busy people stay connected.
“The BlackBerry solution on Alaska’s fastest and most reliable network delivers the speed, security and interoperability that sophisticated business people and world travelers expect. ACS is the only carrier in Alaska that can achieve 3G data speeds on its EVDO-enabled devices, so our BlackBerry customers can expect faster data downloads, speedier access to corporate email, and a superior mobile web experience,” said Sheldon Fisher, ACS Senior Vice President of Sales and Service.
The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone
Perfect for the world-traveling professional, the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone with ACS wireless service allows customers to place and receive domestic and international calls in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Africa. It provides the full suite of voice and data services across ACS’ North American CDMA roaming footprint and, by virtue of its easily-accessible slot for a pre-paid SIM card, offers voice and data functionality in GSM destinations worldwide.
BlackBerry Curve 8330 Smartphone
The BlackBerry Curve 8330 is RIM’s smallest and lightest full-QWERTY smartphone and combines stylish looks with the tools people need to manage their professional responsibilities, maintain personal communications and entertain their senses. With email, phone, organizer, camera, video capability, HTML browser, and built-in GPS, users have both flexibility and freedom. The media player also allows users to enjoy music, videos and pictures.
BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Smartphone
The BlackBerry Pearl 8130 is sleek and stylish and comes with built-in GPS, making it ideal for customers on the move. This smartphone is a great choice for both business people and individuals, enabling them to manage calls, send email, surf the net, take and send photographs, listen to music, watch videos, and access their organizer, as well as access a wide range of business and lifestyle applications.
About Alaska Communications Systems
Headquartered in Anchorage, ACS is Alaska’s leading provider of broadband and other wireline and wireless solutions to Enterprise and mass market customers. The ACS wireline operations include the state’s most advanced data networks and, with the acquisition of Crest Communications and build of the AKORN fiber, will be the only company with a geographically diverse undersea fiber optic network connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States. The ACS wireless operations rely on the only statewide 3G network, reaching across Alaska from the North Slope to Ketchikan, with coverage extended via the best CDMA carriers in the Lower 49 and Canada. By investing in the fastest-growing market segments and attracting the highest-quality customers, ACS seeks to drive top and bottom-line growth, while continually improving customer experience and cost structure through process improvement. More information can be found on the company’s website at www.acsalaska.com or at its investor site at www.alsk.com.
For inquiries about this news release, contact Paula Dobbyn, ACS Director of Corporate Communications, at 907-564-7722 or pdobbyn@acsalaska.com.
Contacts:
Director of Corporate Communications
Paula Dobbyn,
907-564-7722
pdobbyn@acsalaska.com
