BlackBerry today announced that it will not renew the T-Mobile U.S. license to sell BlackBerry products when it expires on April 25, 2014.
BlackBerry, however, promised that its customers on the T-Mobile network should not see any difference in their service or support.
The Canadian device vendor will work closely with T-Mobile to provide the best possible customer service to any customer remaining on the T-Mobile U.S. network or to any customer purchasing devices from T-Mobile’s existing inventory.
BlackBerry is also working with other carrier partners to provide consumers and business users with alternatives should they decide to transition to another carrier and remain with BlackBerry for their long-term device and service needs.
“Regretfully, at this time, our strategies are not complementary and we must act in the best interest of our BlackBerry customers. We hope to work with T-Mobile again in the future when our business strategies are aligned,” said BlackBerry CEO and Executive Chair, John Chen.
BlackBerry will support its customers provide continued support to ensure a smooth transition to other carrier partners.
Reuters reported that the relationship between the two companies soured after Blackberry’s CEO criticized T-Mobile for sending out emails to some of its customers in February, pitching free iPhone 5s and touting the promotion as a great offer for BlackBerry customers.
This sparked an uproar on social media forums after some of the telecommunications company’s loyal BlackBerry customers reacted angrily to the offer, which they perceived as a slight.
The backlash prompted T-Mobile U.S. Chief Executive John Legere to respond publicly, assuring Blackberry and its users of his company’s support.
