Rumors that India will ban Research in Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry service were quashed by the top official in the telecoms ministry today. Security agencies are concerned the service poses a risk because emails sent using the device cannot be traced or intercepted.
“There is no question of banning at this point,” Telecoms Secretary Siddhartha Behura told reporters on the sidelines of an industry conference.
“We are not interested that we say BlackBerry will not used in this country,” he said, adding the telecoms department was “very keen” the services should continue.
“The interactions are going on with various stakeholders including the home ministry … I do believe it will be resolved,” Telecoms Minister Andimuthu Raja said
RIM officials have been told of the department of telecoms concerns. Government officials will meet with representatives of the four mobile phone service providers who offer BlackBerry in India, Behura said.
Sector leader Bharti Airtel Ltd (BRTI.BO), No. 2 Reliance Communications Ltd (RLCM.BO), Vodafone Plc- (VOD.L) controlled Vodafone Essar Ltd and privately held BPL Mobile provide the service in India.
“We want operators to talk to BlackBerry people and put pressure on them to provide the necessary and satisfactory answers to security agencies. That is what we are talking to them,” Behura said.
Comment