Nextel, Motorola to cultivate BlackBerry

Research In Motion said Thursday that it will work with Motorola to develop a version of the BlackBerry handheld that works on Nextel Communications' network. The device, which will look like a handheld computer but be able to make voice calls as well as handle wireless data, should be available in the fourth quarter. RIM said the deal was a multiyear agreement to provide units to Nextel. Also, Motorola and RIM have signed a licensing agreement allowing each company to incorporate technology from the other in certain of its products. RIM has a separate deal with VoiceStream to bring the BlackBerry to its network. The company has been talking since last year about enabling its devices to make phone calls. --Ian Fried, Special to ZDNet News