Even as a possible ban on its BlackBerry services looms, officials of Research in Motion (RIM), the Canada-based patent-holders of the push mail service have cited protocol issues to explain their inability to meet Indian officials.
While it may seem that negotiations are on to resolve the issue of intercepting BlackBerry data, documents with FE show that RIM has taken the issue rather lightly.
When the BlackBerry issue emerged in July, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the apex body of GSM operators who also provide BlackBerry services wrote an urgent letter to RIM officials in India to come and meet officials for detailed discussions.
However, a RIM official in India, requested for protocol to be followed. Stating that ?RIM as a company has always been respectful of the law in the jurisdiction it does business….and of course will be willing to engage in a dialogue with the government, but for that to be purposeful and meaningful?, it set out three pre-conditions: (i) It would need proper and direct invitation from the government providing the context for the discussions. (ii) A specific agenda to help identify the right level of expertise of resources to be assigned to attend, and (iii) enough time to get their people to India.
?As you will appreciate, a global company like RIM has its employees spread out geographically and committed to many projects. To be available, they have to free up their calendars, apply for visas and make travel arrangements. As you would know, this information to us has come at a time when people in North America typically take their summer break,? the RIM official wrote.
?Frankly, our initial reaction is one of surprise since we thought that all issues were resolved in 2008 after several rounds of very lengthy discussions with the government. In fact, the then secretary, telecom had categorically stated that there were no pending issues with RIM,? said the correspondence. However, a DoT official said: ?We deal directly with only licensed service providers. We have provided licences to the operators and they have an agreement with BlackBerry, so it is only logical for them to ask RIM to come and explain if we have a problem.?
The COAI wrote to the India-based RIM official, ?….thanks for your asking for more time; I understand if people have to come from abroad but yourself as a director based in Delhi, at least you should meet and get the feel from the DoT what they want. Rest is your call/commercial. But any action by DoT will be the commercial responsibility of RIM?.