RIM offers free apps for BlackBerry users

Millions of people whose BlackBerry smartphones were hit by service problems for more than three days will be offered free apps worth at least 100 US dollars (£63), the company behind the phones said today.

Research in Motion (RIM) has attracted widespread anger after millions of users of the handsets were left unable to access email, surf the web or use the BlackBerry Messenger service.

The problems began last Monday and services were finally fully restored only on Thursday.

RIM announced that a selection of premium apps will be offered to subscribers as "an expression of appreciation for their patience" during the disruptions.

The apps will be made available on the BlackBerry App World from Wednesday until December 31.

Co-chief executive Mike Lazaridis said: "Our global network supports the communications needs of more than 70 million customers.

"We truly appreciate and value our relationship with our customers. We've worked hard to earn their trust over the past 12 years, and we're committed to providing the high standard of reliability they expect, today and in the future."

Free apps will include SIMS 3, Bejeweled, Bubble Bash 2 and Shazam Encore.

Mr Lazaridis said: "We are grateful to our loyal BlackBerry customers for their patience.

"We have apologised to our customers and we will work tirelessly to restore their confidence.

"We are taking immediate and aggressive steps to help prevent something like this from happening again."

PA