The United Arab Emirates, citing security concerns, said Sunday that it would suspend BlackBerry mobile services like e-mail and text messaging beginning in October, the latest high-stakes clash between governments and communications providers over the flow of digital information.
And it looks like other countries will follow.
The decision could have significant implications for BlackBerry use in the Persian Gulf region, where Saudi Arabia has been closely studying the issue and may follow suit. Other countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, have also raised concerns.
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Here’s also an ad that was banned in the states but not because it includes a blackberry.
Apparently Blackberry servers are not held within the country, so the government has no control over information going in or coming out of the country. Until they find a solution, they will ban the service. It was announced that KSA was to do the same but apparently they changed their minds, BB is still working
i lived in abu dhabi for 10 years and just moved to canada , but i’m still in touch with friends over there , and people are not too happy. basically 1 in 3 teenagers in abudhabi own a blackberry , so thats like shutting down a facebook for them. i never really liked blackberries but banning them has more cons than pros and they should reconsider the ban :S
Surely BB will see the potential harm that a ban could cause their business and their brand..exposing to other countries the potential threat of not having servers within respective countries. I foresee that BB will do something to appease the UAE government and get BBs back into the hands of everyone there..