BlackBerry finally shuts down services
BlackBerry Ltd., formerly known as Research In Motion, has announced that its original operating system and services will no longer be supported on its devices.
After Tuesday, the services required to keep wireless connectivity/data services running on the mobile devices and others will be switched off. The shutdown is part of an “end of life” decommissioning programme that was initially announced in 2020.
“As a reminder, the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions, will no longer be available after January 4, 2022,” Blackberry said on its website, “As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1 functionality.”
Though BlackBerry said that its Android phones “will not be impacted by the EOL of infrastructure services unless they are receiving redirected email sent to a BlackBerry hosted email address, or assigned an Enhanced Sim Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL),” devices running the operating systems listed above won’t be able to make calls, send texts over cellular networks or Wi-Fi.
This also includes BlackBerry Desktop, Lin, Blend, World, Protect, Password Keeper, PIN to PIN device messaging, Enhanced Sim Based Licensing, and Identity Based Licensing. BlackBerry-hosted email addresses will also stop working, even on other platforms like Android and iOS.
The Canada-based company stopped producing its own smartphones in 2016, migrating to a software-only business and licensing its brand and services to TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd. which continued to release devices until its production deal concluded in 2020.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Bandits invade Kaduna community, kill resident, abduct nine
The attack came a few days after suspected bandits invaded a nearby Kadaure community, where a man was reportedly killed and cows were rustled.
States
Ibrahim Bagangida varsity lecturers suspend strike
Mr Audu told the Peoples Gazette on Thursday that the strike was suspended on during congress.
States
NOA tasks Nigerians on nation-building, patriotism
Mr Bdliya urged the citizens to place national interest above personal and sectional interests.
Africa
Police apprehend three suspected kidnappers in Ghana
The police added that the suspects later contacted the victim’s family and demanded GH¢100,000 for his release.
NationWide
Environment minister urges Nigerians to protect natural heritage
Mr Lawal said that Nigeria’s independence remains a testament to the resilience, unity and enduring spirit of Nigerians.
Lagos
Independence: Lagos NDC candidate seeks stronger impact of Tinubu’s reforms on Nigerians
Mr Johnson also called for greater attention to local production.
