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T-Mobile CEO John Legere wants BlackBerry users to know that T-Mobile will keep supporting them, despite BlackBerry’s announcement that it’s ending its relationship with the carrier.
“Here’s what really matters most for BlackBerry owners. Whether you’re an individual customer or business customer, nothing changes. Nada. Zero. Zilch,” Legere said in an April 3 blog post.
BlackBerry customers can continue to expect regular operating system updates, LTE access, customer service and everything else they’re accustomed to.
“In fact, to show our appreciation for all current consumers so passionate and loyal to all things BlackBerry, we’re offering a $100 credit toward any new device, including the BlackBerry Q10 or the Z10,” Legere said. “And this offer is good through the end of the year. So you can take your time.”
BlackBerry introduced the Q10 and Z10 15 months ago, but they’ll be able to run the upcoming OS update, BlackBerry 10.3.
Legere added that T-Mobile will continue to fight for BlackBerry users and provide all of them with a great experience.
“At the end of the day,” said Legere, “this has got to be about you—the customers.”
BlackBerry announced April 2 that it would not renew its T-Mobile license after it expires April 25.
BlackBerry CEO John Chen wrote that the companies had enjoyed a positive relationship, but “at this time, our strategies are not complementary and we must act in the best interest of our BlackBerry customers.”
Calling BlackBerry “deeply grateful” to its customers, Chen added that BlackBerry would do everything in its power to ensure those customers choosing to remain with T-Mobile will receive excellent service and that those electing to transition to other carriers do so smoothly.
The announcement followed a public spat between the companies, after T-Mobile aimed an iPhone promotion at BlackBerry users.
Chen called the marketing offer “clearly inappropriate and ill-conceived,” but added that he hoped BlackBerry and T-Mobile could “find a way forward that allows us to serve our shared customers once again.”
Some BlackBerry users pushed back on Twitter, shaming Legere for not supporting BlackBerry.
T-Mobile quickly responded that it heard the “BlackBerry loyal” loud and clear and had a special offer for them: a $200 credit toward any new device, and an additional $50 if the device is a BlackBerry Q10 or Z10.
Far from apologizing, however, T-Mobile told subscribers that BlackBerry is in the business of limiting customer choices.
“We reject that premise,” T-Mobile CMO Mike Sievert said in a Feb. 19 blog post. “We believe the best wireless service gives customers complete freedom and choice, and that’s what we are doing with [the] new offer for BlackBerry users.”
AT&T, keeping track of the spat, released a statement April 4, saying it “loves BlackBerry customers” and would happy to serve any who are ready to leave T-Mobile.
“Qualified BlackBerry customers can get a new BlackBerry device from AT&T for $0 down and no annual service contract with AT&T Next, bring their own device, or get a device on a traditional contract,” said AT&T.
“In all of these scenarios, customers may be able to take advantage of the $100 bill credit for each new qualified line of postpaid wireless service added until April 30. … In addition,” it continued, “we have other very attractive plans for business and government customers using BlackBerry devices.”