TELUS and Research In Motion introduced last week the new BlackBerry 8703e operating on TELUS' Wireless High Speed (EVDO) and 1X networks.

The BlackBerry 8703e delivers leading BlackBerry functionality, allowing users to maintain wireless connectivity to a full suite of applications including e-mail, phone, web browsing, Intranet access, instant messaging, text messaging, and organizer applications.

Using the handset on TELUS' Wireless High Speed (EVDO) network, clients can typically download at speeds of approximately 400 to 700 kbps, with maximum possible speeds of more than 2 megabits per second. Where the Wireless High Speed network is not available, the BlackBerry 8703e will function throughout TELUS' 1X network, which offers digital coverage to more than 94 percent of Canadians.

The BlackBerry 8703e has a bright, high-resolution screen providing a large viewable workspace and includes intelligent light sensing technology to automatically optimize screen and keyboard lighting levels for ideal indoor and outdoor viewing. It also offers premium phone features and intuitive call management features such as smart dialing, speed dialing and call forwarding, dedicated ''send'', ''end'', ''mute'' and ''convenience'' keys, built-in speakerphone for hands-free use, and Bluetooth support for use with headsets and car kits.

Clients can also use the BlackBerry 8703e to connect their laptop or desktop computer to the Internet, using the handset as a tethered modem, for high-speed Internet and data application access.

The BlackBerry 8703e is available to clients at TELUS retail locations nationally for $ 249.99 on a three-year contract subject to promotional conditions, or $649.99 without a contract.