Mystery over BlackBerry messaging

THE manufacturer of BlackBerry phones is investigating a problem affecting Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Research in Motion has revealed few details but suppliers, whose customers use the company’s smartphones, said that internet access and BlackBerry’s popular messenger service appeared to be affected yesterday.

T-Mobile UK said in messages posted online that there was an “issue with sending and receiving via the BlackBerry Messenger service as well as using BlackBerry internet services”.

Meanwhile, Vodafone UK said that customers appeared to be unable to access BlackBerry Messenger, a free-to-use instant messaging programme which has helped make the handset popular with young people.

Across the affected regions, BlackBerry internet access appeared to be sporadic. Some users were able to send and receive messages, while others using the same service provider couldn’t.

Among the companies reporting problems were Qtel Qatar, Etisalat in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai-based Du and Zain Kuwait.