Explanatory press statement regarding BlackBerry service in the Kingdom

With reference to what has been circulating in some media outlets regarding the suspension of BlackBerry service for the business and individual sectors in the Kingdom, the Communications and Information Technology Commission would like to clarify the following:

The provision of BlackBerry service in its current state does not meet the regulatory requirements under the Commission's regulations and the licensing conditions issued to service providers. More than a year ago, the Commission notified the three mobile communications service providers in the Kingdom (Saudi Telecom Company, Etihad Etisalat Company - Mobily, and Saudi Telecom Mobile Company - Zain) of the need to work with the BlackBerry device manufacturer to expedite meeting the required regulatory requirements.

After it was not possible to meet these requirements, and this situation persisted, the Commission granted service providers a final three-month deadline to meet these requirements, beginning 25/5/1431H, with 25/8/1431H set as the final deadline for suspending the service.

Given that the specified deadline was nearing its end and the required regulatory requirements had not been met, service providers were notified on 21/8/1431H of the approval of the immediate suspension of the service starting from 25/8/1431H. The Commission directed service providers to notify subscribers to this service, before 25/8/1431H, that BlackBerry service would be suspended until the regulatory requirements of the Communications and Information Technology Commission are met.

The Commission confirms that it does not act against the interests of subscribers, as long as the services provided do not conflict with the Commission's regulations. The Commission is keen to encourage companies to offer the latest services that comply with the requirements of the licenses issued to them.