India is not considering banning Research In Motion's BlackBerry services at this point, the top official in the telecommunications ministry said Friday. Security agencies have raised concerns that the service posed a risk, as e-mails sent using it could not be traced or intercepted.
"There is no question of banning, at this point," Telecommunications Secretary Siddhartha Behura told reporters on the sidelines of an industry conference, adding that the telecommunications department was "very keen" that the services should continue. The department of telecommunications has told RIM officials of the concerns. It plans to meet representatives of the four mobile-phone service providers offering BlackBerry in India on Friday evening, Behura said. Sector leader Bharti Airtel, No. 2 Reliance Communications, Vodafone-controlled Vodafone Essar, and privately held BPL Mobile provide BlackBerry service in India.
