CCTS preparing for wireless code

telecom | 09/20/2013 8:47 pm EDT

The Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS) is preparing to handle an increase in consumer complaints following the implementation of the CRTC’s wireless code in December, complaints commissioner Howard Maker said. In a telephone interview last week, Maker said he expects media coverage of the code’s implementation to confuse many consumers, who will mistakenly believe they are protected from the code when they are not. “I think there will be some misunderstanding about to whom the code applies and when,” Maker said. “I think people will read in the media that the code is in effect as of December 2 and will start finding fault with their providers and what they’ve done based on this code, when in fact the code may not apply to them because their contractual agreement predates the code,” he added. Under the CRTC’s wireless code, released in June, carriers will be required to let their subscribers exit their contracts after two years of service without facing a...

BlackBerry’s losses surge, cuts another 4,500 staff

telecom | 09/20/2013 8:38 pm EDT

BlackBerry Ltd. reported preliminary earnings Friday that included a net loss of $950 million US to $995 million US for its second quarter, and the sale of 5.9 million smartphones, down from 6.8 million in the previous quarter. The company made the preliminary announcement in advance of its second quarter results due Sept. 27, revealing plans to cut about 4,500 employees and reduce operating costs by about 50 per cent by the end of its first quarter of 2015. The company's operating loss for the second quarter swelled from a loss of $84 million US in the previous three-month period. The reduction of 4,500 employees comes on top of the 400 jobs BlackBerry cut this summer as it looks at potential buyers. In March, BlackBerry reported having about 12,700 employees. "We are...