Dubai: Most BlackBerry users in the UAE are not worried about having their communications monitored in case the country's security agencies are able to monitor data, Nielsen Company's new survey exclusive to Gulf News shows.
Conducted with some questions provided by Gulf News, the poll showed that 72 per cent of the users were ‘not worried' about BlackBerry use being monitored, while the rest said they were.
Radio 2: Majority of UAE residents don't mind the government monitoring their blackberry data. Malak Harb reports:
* Audio supplied by Radio 2
The device's main advantage over competitors is that it runs its own operating network, allowing it to keep user data secure and out of the hands of third-party vendors or hackers.
Additionally, the popularity of the device was reflected in the positive answer at 98 per cent from respondents on whether they would continue to use the BlackBerry if the ban is reversed or lifted.
"It is not surprising to see that BlackBerry users are clearly loyal to the brand and are not really bothered about the privacy issue i.e. even if the authorities are monitoring their activities," said Vishal Bali, Nielsen Telecom Practice Group's emerging markets' executive director. "This denotes the high appeal of the BlackBerry device in the UAE market," he said.
The company that provides consumer insight and market research to businesses conducted the survey after UAE's Telecom Regulatory Authority said that it would ban the device's services over national security issues.
Its order of suspension with an October 11 deadline prompted neighbouring Saudi Arabia into action after it too had been in discussion with manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM). Last Friday, the BlackBerry messenger was suspended for a few hours in the kingdom until talks resumed with the Canadian company. A second deadline of August 11 passed without a second disruption in service and no new deadline has been set.
Meanwhile, Indian auth-orities will hold talks with operators today to ban the service and discuss deadlines.
In the absence of BlackBerry, iPhone's maker Apple stands to gain most. Thirty-eight per cent of respondents said the first alternative would be the iPhone, while 25 per cent said they would choose Nokia.
Smartphone battle
"The battle between smartphones, it is far from over.
"Smartphones are currently less than one-fourth of the global mobile market, and Nielsen predicts they will grow rapidly to half by the end of 2011. This is an industry of immense opportunities that will witness many changes and interesting developments in the few years to come," Bali said.
Several retailers have also indicated that current customer interest suggests that it will be iPhone that will be the substitute brand for BlackBerry for the higher end consumers, while the more affordable Nokia's will serve as a substitute for the mid segments.
- 98% voted positively for BlackBerry
- 38% will opt for iPhone if BlackBerry is banned
- 25% users say they would opt for Nokia
Results of a poll conducted among 100 people in the UAE from August 5 to August 8:
- 81% think BlackBerry is important for business.
- 49% use messenger the most from all BlackBerry services
- 72% not worried about being monitored
- 71% concerned about not having the service
- 67% think they are paying the price of service misuse
- 98% will remain loyal to BlackBerry if the ban is reversed or lifted
How concerned are you with being monitored? Will you continue to use BlackBerry Messenger if RIM settles a server in the UAE?
