Government exploring third-party solution to Blackberry issue

Calcutta News.Net
Friday 4th July, 2008 (IANS)

The government is looking at third-party solution to sort out security concerns over Blackberry mobile services operations in India, Telecom Minister A. Raja said here Friday.

'We cannot throw out Blackberry services but the question is how to keep this service while taking care of security measures at the same time. We feel security measures can be taken care of with wider consultations,' Raja told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

The Blackberry services came under government scanner in April this year after security agencies said terrorists could use the service as data passed through its network cannot be intercepted.

Asked about the talks on security measures with Research in Motion (RIM), the Canada-based makers of Blackberry, Raja said the company has offered to provide solutions. 'We are also trying to find out solutions to the problem with the help of other agencies,' said Raja.

Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura said July 2 that the Blackberry mobile services do not pose a threat to national security, indicating a government go-ahead for its operation in the country.

'People are buying Blackberry. There is no threat from the Blackberry services,' Behura said.

The government earlier asked RIM not to add any new subscriber till a server is placed in India to monitor contents.

But Behura said mobile operators were free to the use Blackberry services.

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