Blackberry-maker Research in Motion sees big fall in profits

Blackberry-maker Research in Motion (RIM) has seen its profits plunge, and reported the first fall in quarterly subscription numbers in the company's history.

The Canadian firm made a net profit of $9m (£5.5m) in the three months to 1 December, down from $265m a year ago.

During the quarter, its global subscriber base fell to 79 million from 80 million.

RIM hopes to revive its fortunes with a new operating system.

The Blackberry 10 system will be introduced from 30 January on a new range of handsets.

RIM's revenues for the quarter totalled $2.7bn, down 47% from a year earlier.

The company has struggled in recent years to compete with the popular iPhone and Android handsets.

- BBC.co.uk