Ammon News - Mobile phone network providers in Saudi Arabia said Sunday that they have not been informed of any move to block BlackBerry services in the Kingdom.

The comments followed the decision of UAE's Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) to block BlackBerry services, including the widely popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), starting Oct. 11. The UAE has cited national security concerns because the devices operate beyond the government's ability to monitor their use.

Operators in the UAE have been notified of the decision and instructions have been given to ensure the alternative service offered to subscribers is just as good.

BlackBerry data is encrypted and routed overseas. Information passed between people through this medium does not reach the UAE, something that the country fears will affect national, social and legal security.

Saudis have expressed concerns that a similar move might be taken in the Kingdom. "We especially bought BlackBerry phones because of the unique messaging service. We would be very disappointed with the Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) if they were to block it because they've already allowed it for a while and we rely on them for our day-to-day activities," said one Saudi BlackBerry user.

"I use BBM to contact my brothers abroad every day. I suppose if they ban it I'll have to go back to talking to them every month," said another local resident. "I don't even know how it could be a security threat. All that it does is help me contact people easily, as well as provide me with a good laugh over a joke or a picture," he added.

A source at the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) said the authorities have given no information that the BlackBerry services will be suspended in the Kingdom. "We haven't been informed about anything of this sort in the Kingdom, nor of any talks to suspend services so far," he said.

A source at Zain said the CITC has not issued any instructions over the matter, adding that officials at the mobile network operator have only read what is in the media.

Arab News tried to reach a CITC spokesperson but his mobile was switched off. Mobily refused to comment on the matter.

The UAE move would affect an estimated 500,000 BlackBerry users in a country that has established itself as a major business hub, mainly in the bustling emirate of Dubai.

In anticipation of communication problems that would arise from cutting the service, TRA chief Mohammed Al-Ghanem said providers Etisalat and Du have been told they should offer alternatives.

"Providing alternative offers that would guarantee the continuity of messenger, e-mail and web browsing to personal and business clients is at the top of our priorities," he said.

The UAE's largest telecoms provider, Etisalat, acknowledged the decision and pledged to provide solutions for users. Du also said it would respect the decision.


* Arab News and sources