We have collated some information below to explain why this is happening and how it affects AF members.
BlackBerry Internet services (BIS) closed on 31st October 2019, so you won’t be able to use the following applications with your BlackBerry device:
BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry World, BlackBerry Email, Facebook and web browsing.
You’ll still be able to use your phone to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and may be able to use data through a Wi-Fi connection or your data plan allowance.
Which devices will be affected?
All pre BlackBerry 10 BB10:
Curve, Bold, Torch, Storm, Porsche will not have access to the BlackBerry Internet Services.
All BlackBerry 10 and above will continue to work as normal.
Since its introduction, handset and network technology has rapidly progressed with the launch of smartphones and the 4G network. As a result, BlackBerry Internet Service is outdated and no longer supported.
How do I access my company data like intranet, now that the BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) service is being switched off?
The act of withdrawing support for BES and BIS will only affect those customers using an original Blackberry handset, running the Blackberry operating system. If you are one of these customers you will lose all access to the Blackberry infrastructure services. To continue to access your company data you will need to implement a mobile data VPN service.
As the service closed on 15th November 2019, you will no longer be able to view, send or receive emails from the device.
What happens to emails sent to my BlackBerry email address?
Any messages sent to your old email address will not be received. After a couple of days, the sender will likely receive an email saying their email wasn’t delivered.
Will there be an alternative email service?
No. If you don’t already have an alternative email address with another email provider you will need to create a new email address.
Members using Blackberry equipment and services will need to consider replacing their phones if they want to continue to send and receive e-mails and use internet.
