Khaled rambles technology, tea/coffee, consumer rights and other interest from Saudi Arabia

Just like that, Blackberry services banned in Saudi Arabia by CITC

So it wasn't just the "Blackberry Messenger" that will be banned in Saudi Arabia. According to this the CITC has expressed concerns about the BIS for a year and asked the local carriers (STC, Mobily and Zain) to "look into" the concerns and provide an alternative for 3 months! The three months end next Friday August 6th.

Someone pulled the switch and f***ed it up for everyone.

No, not Conan.

There are almost 1 million blackberry user in Saudi Arabia and they only got one official statement about the ban less than 3 days. So 3 day notice? This is unacceptable! The CITC should have issued a longer warning period like the UAE TRA who announced the ban 2 months in advance!

The carriers, STC, Mobily and Zain did not warn their customers in the last 3 months as well. Both are at fault, CITC and the carriers.

And what will the customers do now? a 3 day notice is not acceptable especially for what is considered a business device. UAE Etisalat will offer free phones to Blackberry customers including iPhones!

Lastly, STC PR denied the ban 2 days ago which is obviously a lie. I never believed STC's stupid lies anyway.

Sorry I am rambling but this idiocy is frustrating.

Related posts:

1. Blackberry Messenger is banned in Saudi Arabia (STC Confirms)
2. Blackberry services is back
3. Internet disconnected in Riyadh, CITC last to know
4. From STC: 100 megabyte fiber? wait, MEGABYTE?
5. Smokefree Saudi Arabia: Smoking banned at Saudi airports!