BlackBerry users experience service interruptions

Some users of BlackBerry smartphones were struck by service interruptions, including loss of email and BlackBerry Messenger functions.

BlackBerry users reported yesterday that they had experienced an interruption in services.

Twitter users posted about the disruption, with Emiratweet saying:  "A technical glitch leads to a stop in some of #Etisalat's #BlackBerry services."

The same user later reported problems with du's services, while the user Lamya Rashid also tweeted about problems with the BlackBerry network.

The mobile phone service provider du blamed the problem on RIM, the BlackBerry manufacturer.

"We would like to inform our BlackBerry users that they might have experienced degradation in their Blackberry services due technical challenges as reported by RIM, the manufacturer of Blackberry," du said in its statement.

"Degradation might include delays in sending or receiving messages or using other services such as BlackBerry Messenger.

"Customers may also be unable to create new accounts, add (integrate) third-party email accounts, or use BlackBerry subscriber web sites. BlackBerry Enterprise Servers may be unable to connect to the BlackBerry Infrastructure. Wireless service providers and device resellers may experience delays in using BlackBerry administration web sites, creating subscriber accounts, or provisioning services for subscribers.

"Our technical team is working closely with RIM to resolve the matter as soon as possible," the statement said. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and will keep you posted on developments."

The BlackBerry brand was hit by a network breakdown last October that affected users in the Middle East and several other regions.