BlackBerry CEO Bashes T-Mobile on ‘Switch to iPhone’ Campaign

BlackBerry CEO John Chen bashed the wireless network provider T-Mobile for launching a "Switch to iPhone 5S" campaign.

After T-Mobile's e-mail campaign encouraging BlackBerry patrons to switch to iPhone, many used social networking sites to ask if T-Mobile is cutting support for BlackBerry. While some just wondered, some couldn't help but feel irritated about the campaign, including Chen, who let out his feelings of dismay.

Chen wrote in a blog post: "As we were never told of their plans in advance, I can only guess that T-Mobile thought of its 'great offer for BlackBerry customers' would be well received. T-Mobile could not have been more wrong."

"We are outraged too. What puzzles me more is that T-Mobile did not speak with us before or after they launched this clearly inappropriate and ill-conceived marketing promotion," he added.

While stating his disappointment to his company’s long-time business partner, Chen did not fail to express gratitude to his company’s loyal customers who showed their outrage through different social media platforms. Their actions surely delivered a powerful message to the telecommunications company that couldn’t get ignored.

To show appreciation for their commitment and passion that drives the Canadian company to perform better every day, Chen hinted that the company is brewing something special for their loyal customers subscribed to T-Mobile network.

The flurry of messages probably prompted the T-Mobile CEO John Legere to tweet, "BlackBerry users, I'm hearing you loud and clear. Let me work with the team and get back with you."

Anne Marshall, a spokesperson for T-Mobile said in a statement that customers can still get BlackBerry devices from them. Additionally, as a courtesy to users, the company will offer "expedited shipping of BlackBerry devices by Friday" for free.

"We are happy to be a BlackBerry partner and apologize for any confusion," Marshall said in a statement to LA Times.

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