AI-driven transformation demands secure digital infrastructure, modern legislation: CBE governor    Public Enterprises Ministry prioritises support for pharmaceutical affiliates: El-Shimy    Egypt discusses Trump peace plan phase two and Gaza force at UAE forum    Winter storm compounds Gaza humanitarian crisis amid Israeli strikes, diplomatic efforts    Egypt explores opportunities to boost environmental investment in natural reserves    Over 65.6 million visits recorded under women's health initiative since 2019    Egypt's external debt reaches $161.2bn in June 2025: CBE    Women represent half of Egypt's MSMEDA clients – CEO    Nile University president hails women's summit as platform for innovation, youth empowerment    Telecom Egypt chair calls for ethical framework to guide AI development    4th Egyptian Women Summit kicks off with focus on STEM, AI    Egypt's PM reviews major healthcare expansion plan with Nile Medical City    UN rejects Israeli claim of 'new Gaza border' as humanitarian crisis worsens    Egypt's Cabinet approves development of Nasser Institute into world-class medical hub    UNESCO adds Egyptian Koshari to intangible cultural heritage list    Egyptian Cabinet prepares new data law and stricter fines to combat misinformation    UNESCO adds Egypt's national dish Koshary to intangible cultural heritage list    Egypt calls for inclusive Nile Basin dialogue, warns against 'hostile rhetoric'    Egypt joins Japan-backed UHC Knowledge Hub to advance national health reforms    Egypt recovers two ancient artefacts from Belgium    Egypt, Saudi nuclear authorities sign MoU to boost cooperation on nuclear safety    Giza master plan targets major hotel expansion to match Grand Egyptian Museum launch    Australia returns 17 rare ancient Egyptian artefacts    China invites Egypt to join African duty-free export scheme    Egypt calls for stronger Africa-Europe partnership at Luanda summit    Egypt begins 2nd round of parliamentary elections with 34.6m eligible voters    Egypt warns of erratic Ethiopian dam operations after sharp swings in Blue Nile flows    Egypt scraps parliamentary election results in 19 districts over violations    Filmmakers, experts to discuss teen mental health at Cairo festival panel    Egypt golf team reclaims Arab standing with silver; Omar Hisham Talaat congratulates team    Egypt launches Red Sea Open to boost tourism, international profile    Omar Hisham Talaat: Media partnership with 'On Sports' key to promoting Egyptian golf tourism    Sisi expands national support fund to include diplomats who died on duty    Egypt's PM reviews efforts to remove Nile River encroachments    Egypt resolves dispute between top African sports bodies ahead of 2027 African Games    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Blackberry BBM Channels Blocked On UAE Mobile Phones
Amwal Al Ghad Published in Amwal Al Ghad on 11 - 12 - 2013

BlackBerry says BBM Channels continues to open on some handsets in the UAE and has promised to work with the TRA and network operators to remove the ban.
"We understand that BBM Channels is not currently available to some BlackBerry customers in the UAE," BlackBerry said in its statement clearly indicating that it could be working on some handsets.
Both Etisalat and du pulled the plug on BBM Channels and according to reports are blaming the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE for their decision.
Meanwhile the web edition of BBM Channels continues to work normally on both Etisalat and du.
TRA, however, has still not issued any official statement - not until 10 am on Wednesday morning.
In fact users in the UAE started facing issues with the BBM Channels almost four to five days ago. Etisalat responded to some of the tweets saying BBM Channels will not work in the UAE.
Meanwhile, BlackBerry has said it is working with officials to put its services back online. "We are working with our partners in the UAE to ensure their customers are able to enjoy the premier messaging experience of BBM and we will continue to work together to resolve any issues preventing people from using BBM Channels," the statement added.
The statement reads surprisingly similar to what BlackBerry said after BBM Voice, another premium BBM service was blocked by both Etisalat and Du. The service continues to remain blocked and there are no signs of them being lifted.
Meanwhile, one should also note that similar voice calling services in the UAE like Skype continues to work normally on web as well as mobile platforms.
BBM Channels have been gaining in popularity especially among BlackBerry users, many of who have even replaced it instead of twitter and Facebook.
BBM Channels currently is available on BlackBerry handsets and works in coordination with the BBM messenger. BlackBerry has promised that it will make the service available for iOS and Android users who have already downloaded the BBM app.
It enables any user over 13 years old to create their own Channel on any given subject or brand and allow other users to interact and share ideas and opinions.
BBM Channels have become a hit especially because users can be authenticated unlike other services like Twitter and Facebook where you can always find fake profiles.
One can even create and manage a BBM Channel using the BBM Channels Manager website, which continues to remain unblocked in the UAE.
© Emirates 24|7

Clic here to read the story from its source.