An important BlackBerry update

BlackBerry now focuses on providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. Since switching to an enterprise software and cybersecurity company, they’ve been asked a lot of questions about their plans to provide ongoing support for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry 10 devices. In 2017, they committed to providing at least 2 more years of support for BlackBerry 10 and at least 2 years of BlackBerry network access for BlackBerry OS (BBOS) devices. 

On 4^th January 2022, devices running on these service offerings will no longer work, including mobile data, phone calls, SMSs and 999 emergency calls. They’ve decided to extend their service until then as a small thank you to loyal customers like you.

The closure of these service offerings and infrastructure will also impact functionality for applications like Enhanced SIM Based Licensing (ESBL) / Identity Based Licensing (IBL), BlackBerry-hosted email addresses, BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, BlackBerry Blend, BlackBerry Protect (which allows you to lock, locate or wipe BBOS, BlackBerry 10 devices remotely. There’s no impact to the new BlackBerry Protect – their AI-based endpoint security solution).

When the services shut down, any devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software, BlackBerry 10 software, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software will stop working – meaning you won’t be able to use mobile data, make phone calls (including to 999) or send SMSs. Applications (BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and BlackBerry Blend) will also have limited functionality.

Here’s a list of the software, applications and service offerings that are affected:

Devices

BlackBerry 10 software:

• BlackBerry Classic
• BlackBerry Passport
• BlackBerry Leap
• BlackBerry Z10, Z30, Z3
• BlackBerry Q10, Q5
• Porsche Design P’9982 from BlackBerry
• Porsche Design P’9983 from BlackBerry

BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier – including but not limited to:

• BlackBerry Bold: 9900/9930, 9790, 9650, 9788, 9700, 9000
• BlackBerry Curve: 9380, 9370/9360/9350, 9330/9300, 9320/9315/9310/9220, 8530/8520, 9380, 8900/8980, 8300/8310/8320/8330/8350i
• BlackBerry Torch: 9860/9850, 9810, 9800
• BlackBerry Storm: 9500/9530, 9520/9550
• BlackBerry Pearl: 9100, 8100/8110/8120/8130, 8220/8230
• Other:
  • BlackBerry 9720
  • BlackBerry 9620
  • Porsche Design P’9981 from BlackBerry
  • BlackBerry Tour 9630
  • BlackBerry Style 9670
  • BlackBerry 8800/8820/8830
  • BlackBerry 7130
  • BlackBerry 8700/8707
  • BlackBerry 7100
  • BlackBerry 7290
  • BlackBerry 7730
  • BlackBerry 7230
  • BlackBerry 6720
  • BlackBerry 6230
  • C++ platform-based devices: 850, 857, 900, 950, 957

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier:

• BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE / 3G+
• BlackBerry PlayBook

Software, applications and services:

• BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software
• BlackBerry 10 software
• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software
• BlackBerry Desktop Software
• BlackBerry Link
• BlackBerry Blend
• BlackBerry Protect (allows consumers to lock, locate or wipe BBOS, BlackBerry 10 devices remotely). There’s no impact to the new BlackBerry Protect – their AI-based endpoint security solution.
• BlackBerry Password Keeper for BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier. BlackBerry Password Keeper for BlackBerry Android devices won’t be impacted.
• BlackBerry ID* for BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, and BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1 OS and earlier
• BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) – Consumer*
• BlackBerry-hosted email addresses – this includes the redirection of email sent to BlackBerry-hosted email addresses to other email addresses used on other platforms, including Android and iOS. This includes @myblackberry.com or @service_provider_name.blackberry.com email addresses.
• Enhanced SIM Based Licensing (ESBL), Identity Based Licensing (IBL) 

*Note: no impact to BBM for Enterprise and BBM Enterprise for Individual Use (BBMe), which will continue to be available and will use BlackBerry ID on other platforms.

All customers using legacy devices running BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1 OS and previous software and related services.

Customers with BlackBerry-hosted email addresses, or receiving redirected mail sent to a BlackBerry-hosted email address on other platforms, including iOS, Android and BlackBerry Android.

Enterprise customers with an Enhanced SIM Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL) on any iOS or Android devices, including BlackBerry Android devices.

The legacy services will be shut down from 4^th January 2022.

BlackBerry stores personal information as long as necessary for the fulfilment of BlackBerry’s identified purposes or as otherwise necessary to comply with applicable laws. When personal information’s no longer necessary or relevant, BlackBerry will delete, destroy, erase, or anonymise your data. You can request your data to be immediately removed by emailing privacyoffice@blackberry.com.

In line with good business practice, BlackBerry continues to evolve their controls, schedules and practices for information and records retention and destruction, which apply to your personal information. For more info, please take a look at the BlackBerry Privacy Notice.

BlackBerry Android devices won’t be impacted when these services shut down unless they’re receiving redirected email sent to a BlackBerry-hosted email address or assigned an Enhanced SIM Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL). Before 4^th January 2022, people with BlackBerry-hosted email addresses, or using email redirection for these addresses, will need to move to a new email address. If any iOS or Android device, including BlackBerry Android devices, have an ESBL or IBL license assigned, you’ll need to get a standard license to cover the use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

BBM Enterprise and BBM Enterprise for Individual Use (BBMe) will still be available on other platforms.

To keep using your mobile data, minutes and texts you’ll need to get a new phone. We’ve got loads of Android devices to pick from here.

If you’ve got BlackBerry-hosted email addresses or you’re receiving redirected mail sent to a BlackBerry-hosted email, you’ll need to set up a new email address.

If you’re an Enterprise customers on BES5, you should also move to the new BlackBerry UEM product (available in both on-premises and cloud deployments) and new BlackBerry Suites. The BlackBerry Sales team’s ready and waiting to help all Enterprise customers – just get in touch and they’ll discuss the best pricing options with you.

If you’ve got an Enhanced SIM Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL) on any iOS, Android or BlackBerry Android device, you’ll will need to get a standard license to cover the use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

Please head to BlackBerry’s website here where you can find how to do this.

We’re here whenever you need us – just get in touch with us on web chat or by calling 789.