The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates has issued a ban on RIM BlackBerry phones and service starting October 11, 2010. Here’s the skinny:
The TRA confirmed today that Blackberry Messenger, Blackberry E-mail and Blackberry Web-browsing services in the UAE will be suspended as of October 11th 2010. The suspension is a result of the failure of ongoing attempts, dating back to 2007, to bring Blackberry services in the UAE in line with UAE telecommunications regulations.
From what I understand, RIM is being penalized because its security is too advanced for the TRA. The agency likes to keep close tabs on UAE citizens and appears unable to hack RIM’s BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES) and BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS). I find the whole matter hilarious (you know, in that nerd way). RIM is going to miss out on one of the world’s burgeoning economies because it’s too good. Mobile handset makers that are less capable and/or secure have a huge opportunity in the UAE because of RIM’s competence.
Perhaps the TRA should recommend iPhone 4’s to everyone and get AT&T to provide service. If things get out of hand, blocking frisky communications is only a “death grip” away. I kid, I kid. You know I love the iPhone 4.
I don't really understand it but it seems funny.
Nice pic lol, thats sucks that the gov hacks into phones there, our gov isn't that malicious lol.
@Slicky
The UAE reads all emails. The privacy the BB gives is unwanted. Still, I'd just use wifi on my BB if I found myself there and wanted to send private communication to someone.
Don't forget about the Patriot Act. The government can adjust the rules on the fly.
mediocrity FTW.
@Ray
They were doing that before! Ha!