U.K. operator to launch Blackberry e-mail service

OXFORD, United Kingdom—BT Cellnet signed a licensing deal with Research In Motion (RIM) that enables it to launch a wireless e-mail service in Europe. The company said it plans to introduce RIM Blackberry products next month in the United Kingdom, followed by the Netherlands and Ireland by year-end.
RIM, whose products have been a considerable success in the United States, stated that it had already signed deals with European cell phone operators in Italy and France and was looking to conclude deals in other countries shortly. RIM confirmed that a European Blackberry service, unlike its U.S. counterpart, could be upgraded to act as a cell phone or run Java programs, offering users continuous e-mail account access using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)-enabled networks.
Separately, BT is expected to begin spinning off its BT Cellnet division early next month. Details are expected to be revealed at a telecom analyst meeting planned for early September. The business will comprise BT Cellnet and BT’s wholly owned cell phone subsidiaries Viag in Germany, Telfort in the Netherlands, Esat Digifone in Ireland and the Isle-of-Man-based Manx Telecom.