Sprint and Research In Motion today announced expansion of the BlackBerry portfolio for Sprint Mobile Broadband Service, including the introduction of the BlackBerry 7130e from Sprint, capable of taking advantage of broadband-like speeds delivered on the Sprint Power Vision NetworkSM.

Operating on the Sprint Power Vision Network, the BlackBerry 7130e provides complete BlackBerry functionality at broadband-like speeds (average download speeds of 400-700kpbs and up to 2Mbps) giving customers rich phone and messaging features for extending the workplace and enjoying life. It combines features like Bluetooth Wireless technology, speakerphone, high-resolution color display and SureType keyboard technology into a sleek, stylish handset. The BlackBerry 7130e can also be used as a tethered modem in conjunction with a laptop for high-speed Internet and data application access anywhere Sprint has coverage.

Key features include: 

• Support for Sprint Mobile Broadband service
• Lightweight, slim design with large color display
• Full-featured phone
• BlackBerry "Push" Technology
• Phone-as-modem capability
• SureType technology, which combines a traditional phone keypad and familiar QWERTY keyboard for quick, accurate and comfortable dialing and data input
• Bluetooth WirelessSpeakerphone
• 64MB of flash memory, 16 Mb SRAM
• Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats 

The BlackBerry 7130e is currently available at Sprint Stores for $199.99 after available discounts and promotions.