What happens after October 11?

Dubai: The announcement of a ban on BlackBerry services in the UAE by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has caused great concern in the business community using wireless services in the country. Gulf News answers the most commonly asked questions concerning the BlackBerry issue.

What is the main reason behind the ban?

The official reason for the TRA ban on BlackBerry's Messenger (BBM) services, which includes e-mail and web browsing, is "social, judicial, and national security." In short, the way BlackBerry's technology works means that no messages that pass through this service can be monitored by local authorities. Officials have said the inability to monitor is directly related to the ban.

BlackBerrys have been in the market since 2006, why has it taken so long to introduce the ban?

The BlackBerry was introduced before the current law governing communications devices was passed in 2007. Since then the TRA has been negotiating with Research in Motion (RIM) to make BlackBerry smartphones compliant with regulations. No agreement has yet been reached.

Does that mean other smartphones on the market are not as secure as the BlackBerry?

Yes. BlackBerry is considered by industry experts to be the most secure smartphone on the market. That doesn't mean that other devices aren't secure, but it takes a large amount of configuring and additional software to come close to the level of security that BlackBerry offers.

What is going to happen in the next two months?

Negotiations between the TRA and RIM are ongoing, with neither side commenting. RIM has stated previously that they do no comment on negotiations they conduct with foreign governments on security issues.

Most people in the smartphone and security industry believe a compromise will be reached, but that speculation is not based on hard facts. Most think that if RIM places a Network Operations Center, a localised version of servers that RIM used elsewhere, in the UAE, the ban could be lifted.

What options are available for BlackBerry users on October 11?

First, you can continue to use your BlackBerry without the BBM. There are offers from etisalat and du for BlackBerry users to continue to use their devices after October 11. Prices start at around Dh130.

These services will not use the BlackBerry Messenger network, but the service provider's own data connection.

Second, you can get a new phone. Du and etisalat are offering deals that make it easier for you to change your handset. These too will use the service provider's own data connection.

If neither of those options is secure enough for users, the third option is to use a PC for their communications needs. You can purchase a secure connection, called a virtual private network or VPN, from a variety of companies and use a secure email/communications problem, such as Hotmail or Gmail. This isn't as fun as using your BlackBerry, but you'll be secure.

Will I be able to use my current BlackBerry handset in other countries?

Yes, the BlackBerry Messages services will still be available outside of the UAE. So far, no country where the service has previously been in use has banned it.

What will happen to people using BlackBerry's coming into the UAE?

Anyone bring a BlackBerry into the UAE will not be able to use it here. The ban the UAE is planning on implementing would affect all BlackBerrys that are physically in the country.

What other countries will the BlackBerry be banned in?

No one else has set a deadline for the ban. Saudi Arabia, which threatened to ban the services on Friday, has since restored them.

However, a number of other countries are considering a ban, such as India, Indonesia, Lebanon and Kuwait. Qatar and Bahrain have said they will not ban the services.

Is there a possibility of the suspension being lifted?

The TRA has said the decision is final, but that they are still open to negotiations.

What smartphone is the closest alternative to a BlackBerry?

While Nokia, Apple, Microsoft and Google all offer smartphone operating systems that can be configured for security, the one phone everyone points to is the Sectera Edge.

This smartphone is made by General Dynamics, a US defence contractor. According to the company, it was developed for the National Security Agency (NSA) and is considered a "secure mobile environment portable electronic device." Prices start at $3,350.

However, this phone isn't available on the retail market.

When can I offload my BlackBerry (eg second hand, phone swapping)

Yes, there are promotions ongoing now through etisalat and du that will allow you to swap your current BlackBerry with another brand. You can check with your service provided to see what's available.

Is there any way to bypass the ban?

With technology, there is almost always a way around; however, bypassing the TRA's ban looks especially tough. The ban would in effect sever the link between BlackBerry's handsets and the RIM's BlackBerry Messaging network. There are still many ways for users to get a secure connection that can bypass the etisalat and du proxy servers, but since those connections are not owned by RIM there doesn't seem to be any way - as yet - to tie back into the BlackBerry network.

Is there a possibility that other smart phones will be banned?

As of yet, no other smart phones have been identified as being a threat in the UAE. Since no one else offers the combination of security features (secure network + encryption) that BlackBerry does, it is probably unlikely. Most companies, especially Nokia and Motorola, are actively talking about finding ways to take some of BlackBerry's market share in the UAE.