BlackBerry to decommission legacy services January 4, 2022

BlackBerry are to decommission the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions, with an end of life or termination date of January 4, 2022. The company says they chose to extend service until then as an expression of thanks to loyal partners and customers.

On January 4, 2022, devices running on these service offerings will no longer operate and the servers will be shut down.

BlackBerry stated:

“Today BlackBerry is focused on providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. Since pivoting to an enterprise software and cybersecurity company, we have received questions about our plans to provide ongoing support for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry 10 devices.

In 2017, we committed to providing at least two more years of support for BlackBerry 10 and at least two years of BlackBerry network access for BBOS devices.”
“On January 4, 2022, devices running on these service offerings will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1 functionality.”

The termination of these service offerings and infrastructure will also impact functionality for applications such as Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL) / Identity Based Licensing (IBL), BlackBerry hosted email addresses, BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, BlackBerry Blend, BlackBerry Protect devices remotely.

There is no impact to the new BlackBerry Protect which is an AI-based endpoint security solution.

What services will be terminated and what will be impacted?

At the time of termination of services, devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software, BlackBerry 10 software, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software will no longer reliably function.

These devices will lack the ability to receive over the air provisioning updates and as such, this functionality will no longer be expected to reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1 functionality.

Applications (BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and BlackBerry Blend) will also have limited functionality.

The following list of devices, software, applications and service offerings 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 & 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 is no impact to the new BlackBerry Protect which is an 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 will not 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 leverage BlackBerry ID on other platforms

Who will be impacted by EOL of the services?

All customers who are using legacy devices running BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1 OS and earlier 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 assigned an Enhanced Sim Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL) on any iOS or Android devices, including BlackBerry Android devices.

What happens to my data stored with BlackBerry?

BlackBerry retains 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 is no longer necessary or relevant, BlackBerry will delete, destroy, erase, or anonymize your data. Immediate requests to remove your data may made by emailing the privacyoffice@blackberry.com.

Consistent 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.

Will BlackBerry Android devices still work after the EOL date?

BlackBerry Android devices 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).

Prior to the EOL date, users of 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, the customer will need to obtain a standard license to cover their use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

How do I move my BlackBerry Password Keeper data?

BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier: The service changes will not impact your ability to access your Password Keeper data, as it is stored locally. If you are looking to move to another Password Management Application or BlackBerry Password Keeper for Android, you’ll need to manually create new entries on your new Smartphone.

BlackBerry 10: Learn how to import or export password records.

Note: You will need to manually move any password, if you are moving to a smartphone that doesn’t support password keeper or you are using an alternative application.