Blackberry users can be forgiven for relaxing into a smile today after announcements that Alcatel-Lucent will bring prepaid service to the RIM devices and also improvements to mail accessibility in the “push” email service.

While no word has yet been released on the pricing of the customized real-time volume exchange prepaid option it may prove popular with smartphone users wishing to avoid the hefty pricing structures currently available.

In addition a “unite server” feature will use an always-on home computer base for push email, allowing RIM users improved accessibility to email and acting as a drop-off point for important information.

It is all welcome news for beleaguered users left high-and-dry by outages last week.