Oh well, it was good while it lasted. The unfiltered Internet access that UAE Blackberry users enjoyed for a short period of time has finally come to an end.
Etisalat and du, the two operators in the UAE have jointly agreed to ban a number of websites for all Blackberry users, reported the UAE Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm. The rule will come into effect shortly.
Blackberry users have had access to a number of websites which are otherwise not available to other Internet users such as those accessing the internet via a landline.
In line with the guidelines of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the list of banned websites include those for gambling, pornography, illegal drugs, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and those that offer training or information on terrorist-related activities.
An official at TRA denied that the new restrictions would affect the number of Blackberry buyers or users, reported the daily. He further said that one of the reasons why this rule is coming into effect is because Blackberry is being used by wide range of users including young adults and children. It is also to align the accessibility of all internet users.
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