The UAE had threatened to suspend all services from 11 October on the basis it was not able to successfully monitor the devices and therefore they were a security threat to the country.
However, the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirmed it is satisfied services on the device are now compliant with its security needs. In a statement it said: “All Blackberry services in the UAE will continue to operate as normal and no suspension of service will occur on October 11, 2010.”
The TRA also acknowledged “the positive engagement and collaboration of Research In Motion in reaching this regulatory compliant outcome.”
There had been much concern over a blanket ban on the devices which have been integral to how many, particularly in financial services, conduct business. A poll conducted by International Adviser in early August, shortly after the ban was first mooted by UAE authorities, found 79% of our readers believed a ban would affect their business “very much” while a further 8% said it would have some impact.
Similar bans have also been proposed by India and Saudi Arabia.
